Diet

Just like any growing child, yours needs a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, sleep and rest, and a balanced diet, with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre. Dairy foods, like milk, cheese and yoghurt, provide calcium to help prevent later osteoporosis. Foods rich in protein, like meat, fish, eggs and cheese, help boost your child's energy levels. Some children benefit from food supplements, like Complan, to increase calorie intake while ill. Iron-rich foods, like meat, fish, green vegetables and beans, help avoid anaemia. Iron tablets are not normally needed. If your child eats well they should not need extra vitamins. In a few children, tablets containing calcium and vitamin D are recommended.

For further information on healthy eating, see Arthritis Ireland's booklet Healthy Eating and Arthritis.

 Exercise

Regular exercise is a vital part of every child's development but also plays an important role in effectively treating JA. Exercising helps to strengthen weakened muscles and build stamina. This will help your child to get swollen, painful joints moving again and slow down the effects of arthritis. Even children with severe arthritis can lead a full, active life with the right exercise programme. Your physiotherapist will advise you on what type and level of exercise is suitable and also teach you a number of exercises that should be done regularly.

Transition

When you were younger, things were so much easier, or did it just seem that way? We know that being a teenager can be challenging. Being a teenager with arthritis is even more so. Transition is the term used to describe the move from paediatric (child) health services to adult health services. During this time you will attend a transition clinic and will be treated by a "transition team" who are there to treat, inform and support you on your journey. We have developed this Fizz Transition Pack to help guide you through the complex range of physical, psychological, social and emotional issues that you face as a teenager living with arthritis. It is available through your transition clinic.

Further Education & Training

If you are continuing with your education, in training or further study, there are lots of supports that you can access, be they practical or financial. Further education and training is usually offered by colleges of further education, PLC (Post Leaving Cert) courses or FÁS, for example, and higher education and training is provided mainly in universities and Institutes of Technology (ITs). Access Officers or Disability Officers are available to help you in ITs and universities. They can help you get the supports that you need, including assistive technology. You will also need financial support while continuing your education. The website www.studentfinance.ie gives information on all financial support available to those continuing in education, from maintenance grants to the Fund for Students with Disabilities. AHEAD, the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability, promotes full access and participation in further and higher education for students with disabilities and provides comprehensive information www.ahead.ie.

Lobbying & Advocacy

During JA month, which takes place in September each year, Arthritis Ireland works to raise awareness of the issues facing young people living with arthritis. You will see stories about the lives of children affected by JA in the media, JAsper Pins for sale on the street and in shops and of various other events, locally and nationwide. Contact us to find out what's happening near you or if you want to help out.

Ireland currently has just one paediatric rheumatologist and, although a second post has been approved, no appointment can be made until a junior doctor position has been suppressed. We continue to work closely with the HSE and Department of Health and Children to secure improved rheumatology services for children, young people and adults with arthritis. As a result of our ongoing lobbying campaign, we have the support of a number of elected representatives who have pledged their support to our campaign for improved services.