FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers is offering complimentary fall-risk screenings to Southwest Florida residents as part of its annual "Fight the Fall" awareness campaign.
During National Fall Prevention Awareness Week, which is Sept. 21 to 25, FYZICAL will provide free personal fall-risk screenings to help patients identify compromises in balance, flexibility and strength that make them more susceptible to falls. Physical therapists then will outline steps to prevent future falls.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans ages 65 and older will experience a fall each year. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal injury and nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Many in the medical community are particularly concerned this year as seniors quarantine at home to protect themselves against COVID-19. Physical activity stimulates muscle strength and flexibility, two key factors in preventing falls.
"Although it's very common for older adults to lose their balance, most falls are preventable," said Dr. Chris Mulvey, PT, president for company clinics. "The goal of FYZICAL's fall-risk screening is to demonstrate steps that individuals can take, like specific exercises targeting strength and flexibility, to minimize their risks for falling."
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is an initiative of the National Council on Aging. During FYZICAL's "Fight the Fall" campaign, the company is striving to complete 1,000 fall-risk screenings over the five-day period.
"Fight the Fall" also promotes BodyQ, the company's integrated testing program that measures movement, function, general health, vision, hearing, balance and recovery. FYZICAL offers a comprehensive balance therapy program that evaluates a patient's gait, or walking skills, to determine potential problems with strength, posture and other conditions. Hip and ankle weakness, as well as poor posture, often lead to balance problems.
A leader in balance therapy, FYZICAL locations feature a Safety Overhead Support System utilizing a harness suspended from ceiling-mounted rails, which allows patients to exercise safely without a fear of falling.
During the "Fight the Fall" campaign, FYZICAL will be raising support for Meals on Wheels through sales of water bottles and writing messages of hope for Meals on Wheels recipients. Additionally, FYZICAL team members will be participating in National Physical Therapy Day of Service on Oct. 10 by delivering meals to seniors in need.
Appointments are required for FYZICAL's complimentary fall-risk screenings by calling 239-785-1150 or visiting http://www.FightTheFall.com. Screenings are available at locations in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples, North Fort Myers, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Sanibel.
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