Support Juvenile Arthritis Awareness This July

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Its goal is to make people aware of the types of juvenile arthritis, the risks that come with it, and ways to support people with this chronic disease.

Contrary to what we think, children can also have arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack the joints, causing stiffness and swelling. If left untreated, it can even lead to death. It is important to educate everyone, especially parents, about the seriousness of this condition and its triggers.

Here are some ideas on how to show your support for juvenile arthritis awareness this July:

Wear a blue awareness bracelet: Awareness months are usually represented by a specific color and blue stands for Juvenile Arthritis advocacy efforts. You can design your own unique blue bracelets online to support the 300,000 children across the country suffering from juvenile arthritis and pay tribute to their unimaginable strength. Be sure to add an inspiring message to the band, such as “I’m a JA Warrior”, “Heal Juvenile Arthritis”, “My son’s battle is my battle” and more.

Such bracelets can act as a reminder for people to diagnose it at the right time. There are bead, metal, wood and silicone bracelets available in the market that are sure to leave an impression. Go for silicone if you are looking for a skin-friendly, effective, durable and long-lasting product to make your noble cause more popular.

Comfortable backpacks: Painful joints can make carrying school books a challenge. Special backpacks can be of great help to children whose lives have been turned upside down after learning of the diagnosis. They minimize stress on the joints. Find the right backpack, fill it with informational resources that promote understanding and cooperation, and wow your child’s teacher, classmate, or best friend.

Fields: Enroll in a JA summer camp. Such camps are perfect for kids with juvenile arthritis because they give them the chance to build peer support, build self-confidence and create lasting memories. You can also contact local doctors to form a camping team. They can help children better understand their diagnosis.

Knowledge is wealth: Gather information on the leading cause of disability in the United States and learn more about research efforts aimed at finding a cure. Create an online juvenile arthritis discussion group and share your knowledge on social media. You can also contribute by writing an online article about it and sharing the personal story of someone you know. Stay tuned for updates from #StrongerThanJA.

Personalized brochures and gifts: Handing out flyers and pamphlets helps! Distribute them in shopping malls, school gates, hospital entrances, supermarkets and more. However, not everyone likes brochures and most of them end up in the trash. It can be a good idea to combine them with attractive gifts such as personalized t-shirts or caps.

Show your support in as many ways as possible and make people realize the importance of knowing more about juvenile arthritis. Unique insights and moral support could really help those children live their lives to the fullest and not be afraid of the future.