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Libby Hospital Helping Arthritis Patients

By Beacon Staff

Arthritis affects nearly 21 million adults across America and now, thanks to a state grant, people in Lincoln County will find relief from that debilitating disease. Starting in 2013, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital will be offering an arthritis exercise program to the residents of Libby and Troy.

The first eight-week exercise course will begin on Feb. 5, 2013 and will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We see many patients with some form of arthritis in physical therapy but there is currently no preventive program offered to help them,” said rehabilitative services employee Wendi Demendaal. “I look forward to helping people decrease their pain and increase their mobility and their quality of life through this program.”

The new classes are being funded with a grant from the State Health Department and will include a variety of exercises, relaxation techniques and health education. Ahyoung Huff, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital rehabilitative services manager, said the hospital plans on offering at least four, eight-week courses throughout 2013 at a minimal cost of $25.

“I have always been a proponent of preventative medicine, so it’s exciting to be able to offer this program to our communities,” Huff said. “I’m grateful for the grant we have received and the opportunity to be a part of something that can really make a difference in the lives of people who live with pain every day.”

Classes will take place at the Libby Ambulance Barn starting Feb. 5. For more information call the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Rehabilitative Services Department at (406) 295-4154.