News

Beebe Offers Screening to Assess Patient's Fall Risk

04/20/06

Beebe Medical Center has announced that in addition to its Bone Density Screening to take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, at the CHEER Center in Georgetown, a screening that assesses a person's risk for a fall also will be offered.

This Berg Balance and Fall Risk Assessment will identify people who are statistically at risk of experiencing a fall, which can have serious health and functional status ramifications, said Mark Blaskey, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Beebe Medical Center.

Once people have been identified, we will let their physicians know so that they can get interventional physical therapy to improve their balance and reduce fall risk

Mr. Blaskey emphasized that the Berg Balance Screening is an accepted and proven test and that in many cases physical therapy interventions can help patients protect themselves against a fall in the future. Beebe Physical Therapist Roseanne Schneider, who will perform the screenings, will be available to discuss findings and possible interventions with those who take part in the screenings.

Beebe Medical Center offers the regular Bone Density Screenings to identify Osteoporosis, a serious health concern that can lead to fractures that can cause disability and even death.

No appointments are necessary for these non-invasive screenings. If the bone density screening shows the density is below a certain value in that bone, or if the Berg Balance assessment shows a risk for falling, the patient will be advised to see a physician.

For more information, call the Beebe Medical Center at (302) 645-3623.