University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN’s Physical Therapy Affirms Age-Old Maxim
Through New Program: "A Matter of Balance"

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 15, 2006) — You’ve heard the words of wisdom hundreds of times on how to manage your diet, the reason you believe in karma, even the protocol for appropriate dating rituals. It would seem there is no limit of the extent to which this proverb holds true.

Cal State Northridge’s Department of Physical Therapy is currently offering qualified San Fernando Valley residents age 65 and older free registration for a new research-based fall prevention program to discover if one axiom really is true—that it’s all "A Matter of Balance."

Janna Beling, chair of CSUN’s Department of Physical Therapy, explained the role of balance in maximizing human vitality. "There is a causal link between stabilizing an active, healthy and independent lifestyle, and decreasing the incidence of catastrophic falls in older adults," she said.

According to Beling, one-third of the population experiences a compromising level of imbalance or dizziness during his or her lifetime which can prove debilitating in performing even the most remedial tasks.

Beling called "A Matter of Balance" a unique opportunity for qualified San Fernando Valley residents.

"There is no fall prevention program in the San Fernando Valley currently being offered with the scope and range of what we have at CSUN," she said.

Standing by a commitment to remain at the forefront of developments in physical therapy, Beling endorsed a comprehensive program that is safe and effective, with state-of-the-art technology and clinical expertise.

Beling heads the program with Peggy Roller, director of the balance and vestibular lab located within the Department of Physical Therapy. The faculty are backed by a selection of grad students.

"We offer certain graduate level students an opportunity to gain hands on experience assisting with evaluation and treatment," said Beling.

"A Matter of Balance" provides classes, home screening for safety hazards and therapeutic intervention. Participants will learn how to increase balance control, improve walking characteristics and enhance strength and flexibility.

"A Matter of Balance" runs through May 25. Classes and testing take place on the CSUN campus in the Department of Physical Therapy, which is located at Jacaranda Hall, Room JD 1537. Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 9 and 10 a.m. or 1 and 2 p.m.

For more information, to refer a client or to find out if you qualify, contact Dr. Beling at (818) 677-7445 or janna.beling@csun.edu.

California State University, Northridge has 34, 500 full- and part-time students and offers 62 bachelor’s and 50 master’s degrees as well as 28 teaching credential programs. Founded in 1958, CSUN is among the largest single-campus universities in the nation and the only four-year public university in the San Fernando Valley. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.