Chances are that you or someone you know has arthritis. Arthritis affects about 37 million Americans. That’s one in every seven people, one in every three families. Arthritis is a serious disease that causes pain and loss of movement. It is usually chronic. This means that it can last, off and on, for as long as a lifetime. There are a hundred kinds of arthritis affecting many different parts of the body. Joints are most often affected. People of all ages, including children and young adults, can develop arthritis. Treatment may include medication, use of hot or cold packs, and for some, surgery to reduce pain and maintain movement. Exercise, pacing activities, and using proper techniques to protect joints are among the many things people with arthritis can do to help themselves.

Long known nationwide as a landmark arthritis treatment center, Levi Hospital’s reputation today is enhanced by the contemporary personalized attention every patient receives. In the Levi Arthritis Treatment Program, the goal is to provide a comprehensive service for the medical rehabilitation and treatment of arthritis and related illnesses. We strive to achieve this goal through:

• Specialized physician evaluation and follow-up by a Board Certified Rheumatologist
• Appropriate medication therapy
• Physical therapy to restore range of motion and function
• Aquatic therapy in large thermally heated pool
• Occupational therapy evaluation and treatment to improve self-care abilities, as well as provide upper extremity orthotics/adaptive equipment as needed
• 24-hour RN care
• Social service support to address the emotional aspects of arthritis
• Providing patients with insight into what their physical problems are and development of realistic expectations
• Laboratory and radiology services
• Inpatient and outpatient services

COMMUNITY AQUATICS

Levi Hospital’s Community Aquatic Exercise Program is offered six times weekly. These aquatic sessions are for those who can benefit from a structured program, but do not require the medical necessity for outpatient rehabilitation treatment. The public is welcome to join this program. Listed below are the requirements for acceptance as a participant in the Community Aquatic Exercise Program:

1. You must have a physician information/consent form approving your participation
2. You must be able to dress and dry yourself and be able to get in and out of the pool
3. You must bring your own towel to each session
4. You must have a participant card which can be purchased from the Levi Hospital Physical Therapy Department
5. You must be medically stable, have no open wounds

The Levi Arthritis & Rehabilitation Clinic is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., offering the services of P. Ross Bandy, M.D., the area’s only Board Certified Rheumatologist. To make an appointment, call (501) 622-3574.

All of Levi Hospital’s rehabilitation services are available on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. For rehabilitation admission you would be admitted at St. Joseph Regional Health Center. It is necessary to have a referral from a physician who is licensed to practice in the state of Arkansas to be admitted. If you are from out of state, you may make an appointment to see a physician through our Outpatient Clinic who can refer and admit you to the unit.

At Levi Hospital, the patient is placed at the center of a team of medical professionals dedicated to the physical and mental rehabilitation of the patient. Other programs offered by Levi Hospital include:

• Levi Rehabilitation Unit
• Levi Hospice
• Levi Psychiatric Services-inpatient/outpatient psychiatric treatment
• Levi Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services
• Levi Home Health
• Levi Osteoporosis Clinic

For more information about the services and programs provided by Levi Hospital call (501)624-1281 Or e-mail us at billie@levihospital.com.
Copyright 1999