July is Juvenile Arthritis Month
PHONE : 570-769-2877
Healthy
Living -- pages 18 - 22
To your Health !
July is Juvenile Arthritis Month
You might think that arthritis only affects older people . And you would be wrong . Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common form of the disease in children , lasting from months to a lifetime . Like adult arthritis , kids can be plagued with stiffness , swelling , and joint pain . It is important to remember that Juvenile Arthritis is not a disease in itself , but an umbrella term used to describe many conditions that plague children under 16 . Each of those syndromes has its own characteristics , and affect different parts of the body . There is no evidence that food , allergies , or toxins cause Juvenile Arthritis . Some scientists feel that it is a genetic issue triggered by a combination of factors yet to be discovered , different in each case . Diagnosis can be long and detailed , as there is no blood test that will confirm that a child is suffering from Juvenile Arthritis .
So the cause is not fully known , but scientists believe juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease . That means the immune system can ’ t differentiate between the healthy cells in the body and harmful substances , like viruses and bacteria . This causes the immune system to mistakenly attack harmless cells as though they are dangerous invaders . In all forms of juvenile arthritis , there is one constant : swelling of the joints . The more joints affected , the more severe the disease - and the more severe the pain that results . Parents who fully involve their children in treatment for Juvenile Arthritis report that those individuals are better able to deal with the difficult emotional and social effects of the disease , and learn to manage their own care the longer they are affected by it .
Doctors prescribe exercise , a healthy diet low in sugar , and physical therapy for those affected , with the possibiity of life long flare-ups a possibility . Most juvenile arthritis sufferers who are diagnosed early live lives free from significant problems , but those who are undiagnosed face significant issues . If your child suffers from symptoms such as joint pain , stiffness , reduced range of motion , limping , fevers , or swollen lymph nodes , see your doctor immediately .
William R . Forse , Optometrist - family eye care
Complete & Comprehensive Eye Exams • Pediatric Vision Analysis Glaucoma , Cataract , and Retinal Screening • Contact Lenses Wide Selection of Fashion Eyewear • Consultant for Lasik Surgery
PHONE : 570-769-2877
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Suite 310 , 1 Outlet Lane , McElhattan ( in the UPMC Outpatient Center ) 18 -- “ Good News ” -- July -- www . bearcountrygoodnews . com