FYZICAL Rallies Americans to Fight the Fall

SARASOTA, Fla., Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans and one-third of Americans aged 65+ falls each year, according to the National Council on Aging and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although preventable, a staggering number of Americans will face fall-related injuries or deaths this year.

"Many individuals are afraid to tell their doctors how many times they fall because they fear loved ones may consider a nursing home and take away their independence," said Brian Werner, PT, MPT and National Director of Balance Center Program for FYZICAL. "Simply the fear of falling can be terrifying, leading to a more inactive lifestyle that adds to the issue."

September marks National Falls Prevention Awareness Month and FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers are putting a stake in the ground to increase awareness of and eliminate falls by establishing the Fight the Fall campaign. FYZICAL's Fight the Fall brings to light the devastating effects of falling and how Americans can prevent falls through balance therapy.

On National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Sept. 23, FYZICAL clinics nationwide are offering free Fall Risk Assessments to identify compromises in balance, flexibility and strength that could make someone susceptible to a fall and next steps to help prevent future falls.

Fall Risk Assessments are part of FYZICAL's BodyQ, a comprehensive evaluation that measures the overall health and wellness of the muscles, joints and neurological systems to help prevent injuries and address health issues. With individualized exercise and balance training from FYZICAL physical therapists, Americans can put their foot down to falls.

"Contrary to popular assumptions, falling is not an inevitable part of aging," said Werner. "We want people to know that they can prevent falling. The specialized balance, flexibility and strength training we perform at FYZICAL work in tandem to improve mobility and substantially reduce the risk of falling."

Anyone wanting to reduce his or her risk or a loved one's risk of falling is invited to visit FightTheFall.com to schedule a free Fall Risk Assessment at their nearest FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center with a physical therapist and balance expert.

Individuals can test their stability with the following balance exercise (note: attempt exercise near a wall or corner for safety purposes):

• Stand on a single leg with eyes closed. If struggling or unable to stand for 10 seconds on one leg, see a FYZICAL licensed and trained balance expert for a balance test.

Additionally, the National Council on Aging offers six steps to prevent a fall and take control:

• Find a good balance and exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about personal history of falls and ask for a fall risk assessment.
• Regularly review medications with a doctor or pharmacist to make sure effects aren't increasing a risk of falling.
• Get annual vision and hearing checks and keep eyeglasses updated.
• Keep homes safe from tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas.
• Talk to family members to enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

About FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers provides the freedom to live life on your own terms. FYZICAL combines extensive medical expertise and physical therapy experience to create the highest level of patient care. Rooted in science-driven practices and treatments, FYZICAL believes patient wellness begins and ends with personal connection. To date, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers has grown to 110 locations in 24 states and is headquartered in Sarasota, Fla. www.fyzical.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anita Strohm
816.423.6188
[email protected]

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SOURCE FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

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