Physical therapists Kristen Radke and Jacob Hardy of Core Physical Therapy visited the November meeting of the Dallas County Area Retired School Personnel Association (DCARSPA), challenging the members to stand from a sitting position five times in 15 seconds without using their hands.
The Adel- and West Des Moines-based therapists followed this exercise by asking the retirees to stand with their feet close together and eyes shut for 30 seconds.
Both activities were explained as tests of balance. Often a balance problem can result from an inner ear problem, and Radke and Hardy work on vestibular (inner ear) rehabilitation in order to prevent dangerous falls in the future.
Radke urged the DCARSPA members never to dismiss falls and dizziness as unavoidable signs of aging and instead to seek help.
Sue Leslie is secretary of the Dallas County Area Retired School Personnel Association,
