LIVEWELL MINUTE: Falls/Balance Program

Every year, one-third to one-half of older adults age 65-plus are injured from falls. It s now the leading cause of injury among this age group. But falls don’t have to happen, according to Cheryl Knudsen, of the Younker Rehabilitation Center at Iowa Methodist.

Cheryl Knudsen, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, says “Research has shown that balance programs can be effective in decreasing the fall risk by about 35 percent. Many falls are the result or loss or an imbalance in the vestibular system.”

Knudsen says falls, nausea, blurred vision and motion sickness are symptoms associated with imbalance. She says balance therapy is the best treatment and includes:

• A mobility and balance assessment;
• A home hazard environmental survey;
• A flexibility and strength evaluation; and
• An individualized home-exercise program.

Knudsen goes on to say, ”It’s important for adults to realize that they don’t have to keep living with balance problems. We can help them reduce their risks of falls and injuries and lead a more productive lifestyle.”

Click here for more information about UnityPoint Health’s vestibular and balance rehabilitation program.