Arthritis Center of North Georgia

10/12/2026

Today is World Arthritis Day — a reminder that arthritis is more than joint pain.

A rthritis can affect people of all ages and may impact mobility, daily activities, work, school, emotional well-being, and quArthritis can affect people of all ages and may impact mobility, daily activities, work, school, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

There are many types of arthritis and rheumatic disease, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, juvenile arthritis, lupus-related arthritis, and other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.

Today, Arthritis Center of North Georgia recognizes everyone living with arthritis and rheumatic disease. If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, or changes in mobility, talk with your healthcare provider.

Early evaluation and appropriate care can make a meaningful difference.

The Arthritis Foundation offers helpful resources for patients and families, including e-books, webinars, podcasts, support groups, and a Helpline. Visit arthritis.org to learn more.

10/05/2026

Living with vasculitis can bring hard days, flare days, and days when rest is exactly what your body needs.

The Vasculitis Foundation shared a thoughtful reminder that comfort, pacing, hydration, rest, and support are all important parts of caring for yourself while managing a chronic rheumatic condition.

While this post focuses on vasculitis, many of these reminders may resonate with patients living with other chronic rheumatic diseases as well.

Creating space to rest and recharge is not laziness — it is self-care.

Living with vasculitis means some days your couch is your whole world...and that's okay.

Whether you're in the middle of a flare, recovering, or just running on empty, creating a comfortable space for yourself isn't laziness. It's how you protect your energy and give your body what it needs.

Here are some comfort essentials that vasculitis patients swear by:
📺 TV & Movies — Binge-watching is completely valid rest. Give yourself permission and don't feel guilty about it.

📚 Books & Audiobooks — Vasculitis can be hard on the eyes. Audiobooks let you escape into a story without the strain.

🛏️ Cozy & Cooling Bedding — Trouble regulating temperature is real. Breathable, cooling fabrics can make a big difference in how well you rest.

🫶 Weighted Blankets — Gentle pressure that helps quiet the stress your body and mind are carrying.

👕 Comfy Clothes — Blanket hoodies exist and they are a gift. Staying physically comfortable matters more than people realize.

🧦 Slippers & Cloud Sandals — Your feet take a hit with vasculitis. Non-slip socks and cushioned sandals can bring real relief.

🛋️ Supportive Pillows — Body, wedge, or lumbar pillows take pressure off so you're not dealing with a sore back on top of everything else.

🧊 Hot & Cold Packs — Vasculitis pain is cellular-level deep. A heating pad or ice pack won't fix everything, but it helps.

💧 A Good Water Bottle — Hydration supports so much of your health. A glass or metal bottle you actually like using makes it easier to stay on top of it.

🎧 Noise-Canceling Headphones — When the world feels like too much, being able to tune it out is a genuine act of self-care.

You deserve comfort, rest, and a space that works for you, not against you. Save this for your next hard day. 💙

10/05/2026

Last week, we had the honor of celebrating Delores in recognition of National Research Day!

Delores truly is a one-woman show in our Research Department. Her dedication, positivity, and willingness to always give and uplift those around her make such a difference at Arthritis Center of North Georgia.

Thank you, Delores, for all you do and for being such an important part of our team. We appreciate you! 💙

09/29/2026

September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, and this year’s American College of Rheumatology campaign highlights pediatric rheumatology with the theme “Little Joints, Big Impact.”

Rheumatic diseases can affect children and teens, too. Symptoms such as ongoing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, unexplained fatigue, recurring fevers, rashes, or changes in mobility should not be ignored.

Early recognition and timely care can make a meaningful difference for children living with rheumatic disease.

This month, we’re helping raise awareness that little joints deserve attention, answers, and support.

Learn more from the American College of Rheumatology:
bit.ly/4hwjklj

09/22/2026

Happy first day of fall!

As routines shift and cooler weather approaches (eventually!), it’s a good time for rheumatology patients to check in on a few seasonal health habits:

🍂 Stay consistent with medications and refills
🍂 Keep up with routine labs and follow-up appointments
🍂 Talk with your provider or pharmacist about recommended vaccines
🍂 Dress in layers if cold weather affects your joints or Raynaud’s symptoms
🍂 Keep moving in a way that feels safe and manageable for your body

Season changes can be a helpful reminder to stay proactive with your rheumatology care.

09/07/2026

As Labor Day marks the unofficial close of summer, we are grateful for our patients, team members, and the North Georgia communities we are proud to serve. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday. 🇺🇸

08/24/2026

As the new school year gets underway, the Lupus Foundation of America has shared a helpful School Survival Guide for Teens with Lupus.

For students living with lupus or other chronic rheumatic conditions, planning ahead can make a meaningful difference — from medication routines and symptom management to rest, stress, communication, and school accommodations.

This is a great resource for teens, parents, and families navigating the school year with a chronic autoimmune condition.

08/17/2026

We are pleased to welcome Brandon Lew, MD to Arthritis Center of North Georgia.

Dr. Lew is a rheumatologist who brings a thoughtful, patient-first approach to the care of complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He believes every patient deserves the time and space to talk through what matters most, understand their diagnosis, and leave with a clear plan for next steps.

Dr. Lew looks forward to caring for patients at our Watkinsville and Gainesville locations beginning September 14.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Lew enjoys table tennis, traveling, and exploring local trails.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lew to Arthritis Center of North Georgia!

08/13/2026

Triple-digit “feels like” temperatures are expected across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia as dangerous heat continues.

For those living with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, extreme heat can add to fatigue and make hydration, sun protection and knowing your limits especially important.

Stay cool, stay hydrated and take extra care during the hottest parts of the day. ☀️💧

The combination of the heat and high humidity levels could make temperatures feel as hot as 105 to 110 degrees in metro Atlanta this week.

07/24/2026

Self-care isn't selfish—it's an important part of living well with arthritis and autoimmune disease.

Living with arthritis or an autoimmune disease means self-care is more than an occasional treat—it's an important part of managing your health.

This year's International Self-Care Day theme, "Self-Care at the Forefront of Prevention," reminds us that the choices we make each day can support our overall health and complement the care we receive from our rheumatology team.

As you head into the weekend, consider making time to:

✨ Move your body with gentle exercise or stretching.
💧 Stay hydrated.
🥗 Eat nourishing foods.
😴 Prioritize quality sleep.
🧘 Practice stress through mindfulness, prayer, meditation, or deep breathing.
💊 Take medications as prescribed.
❤️ Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest when needed.

Self-care doesn't replace your treatment plan—it works alongside it. Small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in supporting your health and well-being.

This weekend is the perfect opportunity to reset, recharge, and take one small step toward caring for yourself.

Wishing you a healthy, restful weekend from all of us at Arthritis Center of North Georgia.

Learn more:
https://www.selfcarefederation.org/international-selfcare-day