Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - Other Places To Get Help

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) provides information and education to raise the public's awareness of musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on preventive measures. The AAOS Web site contains information on orthopedic conditions and treatments, injury prevention, and wellness and exercise.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP, a division of ACR) are professional organizations of rheumatologists and associated health professionals who are dedicated to healing, preventing disability from, and curing the more than 100 types of arthritis and related disabling and sometimes fatal disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones. Members of the ACR are physicians; members of the ARHP include research scientists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers. Both the ACR and the ARHP provide professional education for their members.

The ACR Web site offers patient information fact sheets about care professionals and rheumatic diseases.

AJAO is a council of the Arthritis Foundation devoted to serving the special needs of children, teens, and young adults with childhood rheumatic diseases and their families. The AJAO's mission is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. AJAO groups in many Arthritis Foundation chapters across the country offer members the opportunity to exchange ideas, encouragement, and friendship. The AJAO also serves as a clearinghouse of information for the public on topics related to juvenile arthritis and publishes educational materials ranging from free brochures to inexpensive self-help manuals.

Kids on the Block features life-size puppets in educational programs that enlighten children and adults on the issues of disability awareness, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Kids on the Block has a strong commitment to providing communities with programs that address children's questions, concerns, and needs in a lively and entertaining manner. Curricula are developed for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, brain injury, and many other topics. Most programs are designed for school-aged children and are interactive during live presentations; an Early Learning Series for children ages 3 to 6 is available on video.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is a governmental institute that serves the public and health professionals by providing information, locating other information sources, and participating in a national federal database of health information. NIAMS supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases and supports the training of scientists to carry out this research.

The NIAMS Web site provides health information referrals to the NIAMS Clearinghouse, which has information packages about diseases.