Press Date: 02/26/2009
Reported by: Susan Burton, NBC4, February 26, 2009More than one third of older central Ohioians suffered a fall last year and those falls can often be deadly. ABC 6 health reporter Susan Burton tells us about a local clinic that is helping them stay on their feet.
Harry Hartwig had his share of falls last year. "Six falls," he said.
He feared a broken hip and the end of his independence so he went to Riverside Methodist Gerlach Center for Senior Health to get help.
He was strapped into a machine that tested his balance in different scenarios.
"I measure their strength so I do muscle testing for them. Also, from a vision standpoint we look at depth perception. Many falls as Harry had, happen when they are trying to step over something or step onto something," said Dr. Sheila Faryman, geriatrician.
Other parts of the body can cause bad balance like hearing problems, poor circulation. Even the effects of medication. Harry's therapy strengthened his body and mind.
"We are having Harry look straight ahead so that his eyes are giving the brain all the information but his feet have the sole job of figuring out what's going on on the ground," said physical therapist, Kristen Beadle.
Now, balance assessment has gone mobile using the same NASA technology that helps astronauts keep their balance in space. Insoles with sensors are connected to a computer that measures the pressure distribution across a person's feet. This device can help solve at least one part of the balance puzzle- how you distribute your weight. For Harry his therapy allows him to walk with confidence.
"I feel wonderful today," said Harry.
The new device is called the iShoe. It's due out next year. It'll cost about $100 and should be covered by most insurance companies.
