Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Dan Stewart Kentucky doctorate student Jillian Kimberlain, center, tries out a piece of VNG New Firmware Technology on Thursday in the Bovee University Center Auditorium as a group of graduate students look on. [Click to enlarge]

The second annual Fall and Balance Symposium worked to raise awareness about injuries from falling.

Those older than the age of 65 are at more of a risk.

"Falls are the reason for so many are being hospitalized," said Liana Bachand, director of the Bridges program.

CMU's Fall and Balance Center for Assessment and Rehabilitation, located in the Health Professions Building, coordinated the symposium.

The symposium featured Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, a physical therapist who specializes in geriatrics, and David Bauer, an emergency medicine physician.

"We have experts who can provide assessments and therapy to reduce the risks of falling," Bachand said.

More than 90 people attended the conference, including local physical therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, physician's assistants and audiologists, as well as students in those fields of study.

Lookabaugh-Deur discussed assessments, intervention and treatment strategies. Bauer focused on vestibular, postural, and other prevention strategies.

"It was very informative and helpful," said Ashley Ghose, a physical therapist who works with patients who need balance treatment.

Several exhibitors outside the Bovee University Center Auditorium offered information about products relating to treating and preventing falls.

"There is a huge need to reduce the number of falls," Bachand said.

One-third of healthy adults falls every year, which accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all hip fractures.

"Lots of old people fall and it is important that we intervene," said Dawn Nelson, associate communication disorders professor.


news@cm-life.com

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