STAYING ON YOUR FEET: BALANCE AND SAFETY Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU’s) physical therapy (PT) program recently collaborated with the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to conduct balance and fall-risk screenings. As part of the Clinical Practicum 3A course last fall, second-year PT students performed these screenings to assess the fall risk of communitydwelling adults. This initiative coincided with the National Council on Aging’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 23–27) and aligned with the 2024 APTA National Physical Therapy Month theme of fall prevention. Over three sessions held on September 9, September 23, and October 7, more than 150 participants were screened under faculty supervision. The students collected brief medical histories, measured vital signs and grip strength, and conducted balance assessments using various tests, including the 30-Second Chair Stand, 4-Stage Balance Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 4-Square Step Test. Additionally, they provided participants with home safety tips and fall prevention strategies. If a participant was identified as high risk, the students, guided by faculty members, recommended followup with health care providers and advocated for PT services when appropriate. Beyond raising awareness about fall risk and prevention, this service-learning experience helped students strengthen their communication, clinical reasoning, and interpersonal skills. A notable challenge was overcoming language barriers, as many participants primarily spoke Spanish. To address this, all consent forms, screening documents, and educational materials were provided in both English and Spanish. The CDC’s STEADI Fall Prevention toolkit, which can be accessed at cdc.gov/steadi/hcp/clinical -resources/index.html, served as a key resource for the screenings. Both participants and students found the event highly beneficial, and NSU looks forward to continuing this annual community partnership to promote health and fall prevention. Department of Health Science—Fort Lauderdale Nova Southeastern University admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, military service, veteran status, and national or ethnic origin. • Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctoral, and professional degrees. Nova Southeastern University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). SHARKS INSPIRE AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS In the 1960s, Eunice Kennedy Shriver recognized the unfair treatment of people with intellectual disabilities and acted. She launched a backyard summer camp to highlight their abilities, leading to the first Special Olympics Games in 1968. Since then, the movement has empowered millions through sports, fostering inclusion, confidence, and joy. NSU Tampa Bay Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) students have a proud tradition of volunteering at Special Olympics in Florida, particularly through the FUNfitness screening events. Under the guidance of faculty members and physical therapists, students assess athletes’ flexibility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness while helping them perform tailored exercises. This hands-on experience enhances students’ clinical skills, autonomy, and confidence, while fostering a sense of accomplishment as they lead screenings and create home exercise programs with the athletes. Through this service, students not only refine their clinical abilities, but also gain a deeper understanding of diverse populations—contributing to a culture of inclusion and respect. Faculty members Lauren Goforth, D.P.T., PT, and Seok Hun Kim, Ph.D., PT, are instrumental in these initiatives. Goforth, who serves as the faculty liaison for the NSU Tampa Bay D.P.T. Student Physical Therapy Association, has been leading volunteer coordination since 2022. Kim, the clinical director for Special Olympics since 2015, is responsible for planning FUNfitness events and training both students and physical therapists for screenings at national, regional, and state levels. Department of Physical Therapy—Tampa Bay 6
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