Health Tip: Coping With Juvenile Arthritis
March 4, 2009, 11:22 AM ET
• 1 min read
Mar. 5 -- (HealthDay News) -- Arthritis isn't just a disease of the elderly. Children may be affected by a disease called juvenile arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation offers these suggestions to help families cope with the condition:
Family members should openly discuss what each person is feeling, including concerns, anger and fears.The child with juvenile arthritis should not be allowed to shirk responsibilities, as long as he or she is physically able to fulfill them.Teach your child about the disease, including information about management and treatment, in an age-appropriate way.Don't be overbearing or overprotective. Encourage independence and responsibility.Spend time with each other -- as a family, and one-on-one with your child.