FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers hosting ‘Fight the Fall’ event Sept. 14

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Wasilla and Eagle River, leaders in balance and vestibular therapies, are asking for help to “Fight the Fall.” Over one in four seniors fall each year and this population is at a greater risk for injury and long-term health consequences relating to their falls.

While FYZICAL focuses on fall prevention and balance retraining all year long, September is home to National Falls Prevention Day (Sept. 22) and the National Council of Aging’s Falls Awareness Week (Sept. 18-22).

“Fall prevention is a cornerstone of our mission at FYZICAL,” said Dr. Rick Douglass, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT and President of Franchise Operations for FYZICAL. “As a company and as PT professionals, it is our duty to help our community members across the country feel steady on their feet. We believe that balance is core to your wellness! Falls affect everyone, regardless of age."

FYZICAL–Wasilla is hosting a free Fight The Fall event Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are also providing free hearing screenings with Mat-Su Sertoma, home of the Polar Plunge.

Those interested can enter to win door prizes and snacks are provided for everyone who attends. It is a first-come, first-serve event but an RSVP is appreciated. Those interested can call 907-376-6363, and the location is 650 N Shoreline Drive, Wasilla AK 99654 for Fight the Fall 2024.

"It’s important to understand and try to prevent this danger. FYZICAL-Wasilla and Eagle River also specializes in balance therapy and vestibular rehabilitation, both vital to improving patients’ quality of life. We strive to empower our patients with the knowledge and skills they need to live safer, healthier lives, Douglass said.

FYZICAL’s free fall risk screenings include a subjective questionnaire, static and dynamic balance exercises, including the 10-second single-legged stance exercise, which has been proven to be a strong predictor of survival in fall patients in a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Balance screenings are not standard in routine physical examinations of middle-aged and older patients, so it is important that they seek the information elsewhere to stay informed. The best way to prevent injury among friends and family is to be aware of who is at risk.

“As life long Alaskans, who have lived in Southcentral Alaska our whole lives, we love to give back to our community. We also understand the Alaskan life style. Being able to safely walk in rivers, hike the mountains, or walking to look for berries, balance is an important part of the Alaskan life. We love being the leader in the industry in balance. At FYZICAL we have the most advanced skills and technology in our balance program. We are proud to offer free balance screenings to every Alaskan, so you can love your life," owners Shain and Chrissy ZumBrunnen said.

For more information or to schedule a free fall risk screening for yourself or a loved one, call 907-376-6363