Community members get help with balance, mobility at MedWest Health System screening

10/11/2011

CLYDE, N.C. – Approximately 80 people participated in a free community health screening for balance and mobility issues held recently by MedWest Health System. 
  
“Prime Time” was held Sept. 22 at MedWest Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The event featured a series of simple assessments to determine a person’s risk for falls or other accidents, and tips for improving strength and balance and preventing accident-related injuries. 
  
During the screening, patients visited up to four stations where physical therapists conducted low-impact tests for dizziness, balance, strength and walking speed. Depending on assessment results, physical therapists suggested fitness routines, physical therapy or other interventional approaches to improving balance and mobility and diminishing dizziness. 
  
“Prime Time” was developed by members of the MedWest rehabilitation services team following a physical therapy certification program in geriatric exercise conducted last year by the American Physical Therapy Association. Helping lead the effort was Dr. Kate Queen, a rheumatologist at Mountain Medical Associates and director of the Osteoporosis Center at MedWest-Haywood. 
  
For more information on the Osteoporosis Center and its services, call (828) 452-8850 or visit www.medwesthealth.org.