You Can Do It
Ready to learn more? Want to build your skills? Think of these ideas as steps on a ladder. The more you know, the higher you go!
Learn the name of your condition.
Do you know what kind of JA you have? If not, ask! Your parents or health workers at the doctor’s office will be able to tell you. If the words are hard to pronounce, practice sounding them out. Have someone write the words down for you, too. You can copy them until you learn to spell and say them.
Learn all about your condition.
OK, so you know you have JA. You even know what kind it is. But do you really know what that means? If not, it’s time you found out. You can learn more about JA in the “About JA” section of this website. You can also write a list of questions for your doctor or nurse. He or she can explain exactly what JA does to your body.
Get to know your doctors and nurses.
Learn your doctors’ and nurses’ names. Everyone likes to be called by name. Let them get to know you, too. Do you play sports? Do you have a hobby? Is your family planning a fun trip? Tell them all about it!
Get to know your medications.
Learn the names of your medicines. Learn how to spell the words and how to say them. Find out when you need to take them, too. You can even help out. Tell your parents when it’s time for your medicine. Take the medicine out of the cabinet or refrigerator for them. Ask questions about how the medicine helps you stay well.
Talk to your parents and teachers.
Does your JA make school hard? Maybe more time for written work would help. Maybe you need a soft pillow to sit on. You might like an extra set of books at home, so you don’t have to carry a heavy backpack each day. Whatever you need, your parents and teachers can help. You can all meet together to find ways to help you.
Be prepared.
Sometimes you may not feel well. You should always carry a list of important information just in case. Your list should include:
- your parents’ telephone numbers,
- your doctors’ telephone numbers,
- a list of the medicines you take, and
- a list of anything you are allergic to.
Emergencies aren’t likely to happen. Still, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. That way, you won’t have to worry.
