Improve balance, learn safety measures at DMU's Fall Prevention Awareness Day

DES MOINES, IA (09/06/2013)(readMedia)-- The Des Moines University Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Program is partnering with Wesley Acres to hold a free Fall Prevention Awareness Day on Saturday, September 14, 9-11:30 a.m. in the Student Education Center, 3300 Grand Avenue. The second annual event will offer Tai Chi and yoga lessons, balance exercises and ways to prevent falls.

DMU physical therapy students will conduct balance screenings and work with participants on a home safety checklist. Drake University pharmacy students will check blood pressures and review medications for those who bring a medication list.

"Falls are a significant problem for older adults, but they are preventable!" says Katherine Mercuris, P.T., D.H.S., associate professor in the D.P.T. Program at DMU. "We hope to help the community better understand steps they can take to improve their balance and decrease risk factors for falling."

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Des Moines University (DMU) is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences, anatomy, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.