Physical therapy practice offers free screenings throughout September.
Contributed by Kirsten Kendrick, Health Quest Therapy, Inc.
Health Quest Therapy, Inc. is offering complimentary fall-risk screenings during September’s “Fight the Fall,” a month-long initiative to help our community members understand if they are at risk for falling.
According to the National Council on Aging, 1 in 4 seniors fall each year, with many incidents leading to hospitalization. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. COVID-19 has created a heightened risk for balance related problems. Studies show that there has been a 30 percent increase in falls due to inactivity and isolation. (APA)
“Falls do not have to be a fact of life as we age,” said Shain Zumbrunnen OTR/ CHT, practicing therapist and owner of Health Quest Therapy, Inc. “Most falls are entirely preventable, but it is important that our community understands their individual risks for falling and to know what steps to take to minimize risks.”
Fall-risk screenings include a questionnaire followed by various balance activities. During the exam, our therapists will monitor a patient’s balance, as well as functional limitations caused by poor posture and weakness in hips and ankles. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, poor vision, challenged hearing, orthopedic conditions and neurological disorders can be contributing factors to falls. Additionally, certain prescription medications have potential side affects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea and sleepiness which can increase the risk of falling.
At Health Quest Therapy, Inc., we believe that balance is the core to your wellness. A national leader in falls prevention, Health Quest’s balance therapy program has helped a large part of our community retrain their balance and regain confidence to successfully navigate through challenges of their daily lives. How does it work? Our therapists use a safety support system that consists of an over-head track and a movable trolley. Strong and quiet, the system allows for ease of movement while secured in a simple, comfortable body harness. The system enables our patient’s the ability to perform functional activities with minimal risk of injury.
Health Quest Therapy, Inc. is launching our, “Fight the Fall,” initiative to support the National Council on Aging’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week – September 20-24, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls truly are preventable. “A fall-risk screening is a great opportunity for a balance checkup of sorts, a way to learn each individual’s unique strengths and weaknesses,” Shain comments. “The goal for “Fight the Fall” is to educate members of our community and provide personalized solutions to keep us all safe, healthy and loving our lives!”
We look forward to your call to schedule a complimentary fall-risk screening.
Wasilla (907) 376-6363 Eagle River (907) 622-6363
Media Contact:
Kirsten Kendrick
(907) 315-9174
Kirsten.Kendrick@Fyzical.com
Health Quest Therapy, Inc.
650 North Shorline Drive Wasilla 99654
11432 Business Blvd #18 Eagle River 99577