Coastal Rheumatology Associates

12/05/2025

As we head into a weekend full of festive gatherings, decorating, shopping, baking, and holiday traditions, it is important to care for your body and energy — especially when living with autoimmune or rheumatic conditions.

A few simple habits can help you move through the season more comfortably:

❄️ Prioritize rest when you can
❄️ Stay hydrated throughout the day
❄️ Take brief pauses to reset and prevent flares
❄️ Add gentle movement to ease stiffness
❄️ Connect with people who bring calm and support

Small steps can help you enjoy the season while caring for your well-being.

11/27/2025

During this season of gratitude, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for our patients and the Lowcountry communities we are honored to serve. Thank you for the trust you place in our team. May your Thanksgiving be filled with comfort, connection, and moments of peace.

11/20/2025

Thanksgiving is exactly ONE week away! Our Thanksgiving schedule is listed in the image below. We encourage you to take a quick look as the holiday nears.

11/20/2025

This pumpkin pie recipe without granulated sugar sure looks tempting! Are you team pumpkin, apple or pecan??

If there’s one thing Chef Michael Symon has learned after years of hosting Thanksgiving, it’s don’t mess with the pumpkin pie! But this version — made with no granulated sugar — is a game changer. 🙌

🍁 Maple syrup + pumpkin = the perfect fall flavor pairing.
🍊 A hint of orange zest adds a bright, citrusy boost.
✨ Use a gluten-free crust for a flour-free option.

He calls it “the most pumpkiny pumpkin pie you’ll ever taste” — and we can’t wait for you to try it.

Whether you’re hosting or attending this year, this arthritis-friendly recipe is a delicious win for the holiday table.

Link to full recipe and directions in the comments. ⬇️

11/19/2025

Did you know there's an important connection between rheumatic conditions and diabetes?

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬:

🔹 Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a 23% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
🔹 Chronic inflammation, certain medications (like corticosteroids), and reduced activity due to joint pain can all increase this risk
🔹 Over 38 million Americans have diabetes—1 in 5 don't know they have it

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨:

If you have a rheumatic condition, talk to your rheumatologist about diabetes screening. Regular monitoring, staying active within your abilities, and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage both conditions.

Questions about managing multiple conditions? We're here to help.

11/14/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤

This week, we celebrate the incredible Nurse Practitioners who are at the heart of exceptional patient care. At Coastal Rheumatology Associates, our NPs combine clinical expertise with compassionate, personalized attention, making a real difference in the lives of our patients every single day.

From diagnosis and treatment to education and ongoing support, our Nurse Practitioners are true partners in health. Their dedication to staying at the forefront of rheumatology care ensures our patients receive the highest standard of treatment, closer to home.

To all the NPs out there: thank you for your skill, your heart, and your unwavering commitment to patient wellbeing.

11/05/2025

Did you know that autoimmune conditions treated in rheumatology can increase your risk of diabetes? Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are linked with higher rates of metabolic issues. Why?

➡️ Chronic inflammation affects how your body processes glucose
➡️ Steroid medications can elevate blood sugar over time

Small habits = big impact:
✅ Keep up with regular labs, including A1C screening
✅ Incorporate movement that feels good on your joints
✅ Focus on anti-inflammatory foods when possible
✅ Ask your rheumatology provider about diabetes prevention strategies

Your rheumatology care team is here to support your whole-health journey — not just joint pain. ✨

11/03/2025

🧡 Food Drive for a Cause 🧡

Throughout November, we are proud to partner with Second Harvest to help address food insecurity in our communities.

There is a great need right now, and every donation—big or small—can help. We invite our patients, staff, and neighbors to contribute non-perishable food items to the bins placed in the lobbies of our Bluffton and Statesboro offices.

📦 Most Needed Items
▪️ Canned chicken and vegetables
▪️ Dry cereals and packaged foods
▪️ Pastas and rice
▪️ Canned fruits and stews
▪️ Water bottles and juice boxes

📍 Drop-Off Info
🕗 Monday–Thursday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📌 Coastal Rheumatology Associates (Bluffton & Statesboro)

Together, we can make a difference—one meal at a time. Thank you for helping us support local families this season.

10/31/2025

Our team had a blast getting into the Halloween spirit with creative costumes, plenty of laughs, and festive vibes all around! From clever characters to classic costumes, it was great to see so much participation and team spirit.

Thank you to our staff and patients for joining in the fun—we loved celebrating the day with you!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween from all of us at Coastal Rheumatology Associates!

10/29/2025

Today we recognize World Psoriasis Day, a reminder that psoriasis is more than a skin condition — it’s an autoimmune disease that can also affect the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. Our team at Coastal Rheumatology Associates is committed to supporting patients who live with these chronic, often invisible conditions.

💡 Tips for managing psoriasis:
✔ Maintain a consistent skincare routine with gentle, fragrance‑free products
✔ Protect skin from excessive sun exposure
✔ Manage stress through relaxation or movement
✔ Stay in touch with your care team — early treatment makes a difference

Whether you’re in Savannah, Bluffton, or our new Statesboro office, we’re here to help you manage your condition and protect your joint health.

10/27/2025

We are excited to announce that Coastal Rheumatology Associates has officially opened a new office in Statesboro, GA!

📌 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
110 Rushing Lane
Statesboro, GA 30458

Our Statesboro office is here to serve the local community and surrounding areas—especially patients for whom travel to Savannah has been challenging. With the same compassionate, patient-first care we’re known for, we’re proud to expand access to high-quality rheumatology services closer to home.

🩺 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦:
Brandi Alsup, NP, will lead the Statesboro office full-time, joined weekly by Drs. Stephens, Degenhardt, Carbone, and Tarplin. Together, this experienced team is committed to personalized care and clinical excellence.

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠:
▪️On-site lab services
▪️On-site infusion therapy
(Monday–Thursday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM)

We are now accepting new patients and are happy to help transition care for existing patients who prefer the Statesboro location. Thank you for trusting us with your care. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home in Statesboro!

📞 To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call our office: 912-209-9850

10/24/2025

We can’t let this week escape without celebrating the amazing Medical Assistants who help our practice thrive. Your compassion, efficiency, and commitment to patient care are vital to everything we do. Thank you for being such an important part of our team! Have a wonderful weekend.