Believe in Balance Podcast

David Dansereau
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Audio education on all things health and balance from the Substack for physical therapist David Dansereau's Free and Premium Achieve Balance Newsletter, Course & Coaching Community (intended to enhance learning on the go!) achievebalance.substack.com

  1. 2D AGO

    Google's FitBit Air For Rehab and Recovery?

    Thank you for tuning in, watching and listening to Episode 21 of the Believe in Balance Podcast, now on Apple, Spotify, Substack and more! Disclosure: I had a patient need to reschedule so I wanted to jump in to Substack Studio to take some time to inform you of this upcoming new product release from Google with their Fitbit Air (now Google owned). I have no financial disclosures to report with Google. About this episode: This episode reviews on video and audio Google’s latest upcoming product release in wearable tech and I share why I believe it is important for rehab and recovery or simply as an new affordable way to help you or a loved on take charge of your mobility and health monitoring. Important Note and Author Disclaimer: While the Fitbit Air is an excellent proactive partner for tracking overall health, always consult with your neurologist, cardiologist, or physical therapist before starting new post-stroke exercise routines. Episode Resources and Mentions: Based on my latest article on Substack: FitBit Air: A Possible Game Changer for Stroke Survivors Seeking Affordable Wearable Tech for Recovery Insights and Health Monitoring Breakout Moment for Stroke? Reimagining Stroke Recovery Through Performance Metrics FitBit Air Measurement Data Quick Review for Reference on Biometric Data Mentioned in this Episode: * Heart Rate: 24/7 continuous heart rate tracking, including heart rate zones during workouts. * Heart Rhythm (AFib): Background detection for irregular heart rhythms that may indicate atrial fibrillation (AFib). * Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Tracks the variation in time between each heartbeat to help measure stress and training recovery. * Blood Oxygen (SpO2): Uses red and infrared sensors to estimate your blood oxygen saturation levels while you sleep. * Skin Temperature: Tracks your wrist’s nightly skin temperature variations. * Breathing Rate: Monitors your average breaths per minute while resting. * Sleep Analytics: Details your sleep duration and segments your rest into light, deep, and REM sleep stages. * Motion & Activity: Built-in 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope to track daily steps, distance, active minutes, calories burned, and automatic workout detection. Chime In! What Are You Measuring? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min

  2. APR 30 ·  BONUS

    Rating Consumer Cellular's Iris Ally Medical Alert Device

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit achievebalance.substack.com My Review of the Iris Ally Medical Alert Device Thank you for tuning in! If you are listening to this as a bonus educational content from my Believe in Balance Course and Podcast we’ve provided links to both audio and video to take your learning on the go if you are a subscriber. If you need access to this review you can subscribe below. Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Why this review There are now literally thousands of medical alert devices and systems found online. Just do a quick Amazon search for “medical alert devices” and you’ll quickly be overwhelmed and confused. Many of my clients start their search for fall detection and emergency alert devices and never order because there are simply too many choices, pressured sales pitches, or requirements to enter too much personal information simply to get a price quote. That’s in part why I advanced my training to become a Certified Age Tech Specialist in addition to my existing Certified Aging in Place Specialist certification to help guide my clients through all the confusing technologies and home safety options. You can learn more about these specialist offerings in a recent podcast episode. Also I offered an overview article on Medical Alert Systems on this platform as well. For a Deeper Dive: I built my course Believe in Balance as an educational offering to cut through all the confusion and provide evidence based solutions and technology assisted knowledge to remain safe and independent in the home. The Review: What is IRIS Ally? IRIS Ally is a lightweight, wearable medical alert device that offers automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, two-way voice communication, water resistance and 24/7 emergency support. It’s easy to use, comfortable to wear and ready to protect you right out of the box. Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Think of it as your on-call safety partner. Press the help button or rely on built-in sensors to alert a trained emergency agent—day or night. My Goal in this Research I wanted to check for a client whether the Iris Ally Medical Alert Device included a fall detection feature and to the best of my knowledge, it does (see copied description below). The Good * For the prices, especially if you are quoted a special $20/month with a free device*, this is fair pricing and discounted over advertised price. It is especially reasonably priced compared to similar options costing up to $35/month. In addition, some of the top rated vendors charge an extra $10 per month for fall detection. * Unlike other medical alert devices, IRIS Ally is sold exclusively by Consumer Cellular. That means you get their nationwide cellular coverage—and on their website they claim to use the same towers as the big guys. * 24/7 access to trained emergency agents (I’m told Consumer Cellular outsource this part of the service) by a company known for our award-winning, 100% U.S. based customer service. Thanks for reading Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT! This post is a subscriber bonus offering, so please feel free to join in the discussion and share it. * There is also a belt clip if you don’t like wearing the device around your neck. * Water-resistant so can be used in the shower if needed. The Not So Good * One potential drawback for the device is it does not have a connected app for family and caregivers if that is a feature you’d like.

    4 min

  3. APR 27

    SAFE Ways to Build Better Balance

    Thank you for tuning in to Episode 20 of the Believe in Balance Podcast! Episode Mentions: About the SAFE Act: The Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1171/S. 2612), designed to enhance fall prevention screenings under Medicare, has not passed into law primarily because it is still moving through the legislative process of the 119th Congress (2025-2026). While bipartisan, the bill has faced the typical hurdles of scheduling, committee review, and competing legislative priorities, having been reintroduced in February 2025 after a previous version stalled in the 118th Congress. Note: The bill is different from the "SAVE Act" (voter identification legislation) that has also been under debate in 2026 amongst part of the ongoing repeated shutdowns from the government’s inability to find balance. Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to access my Believe in Balance Course along with all other PT care pathways I offer on my platform. Believe in Balance Course Course Modules * Module One -Mobility WarmUp * Module Two - Strength and Conditioning * Module Three- Balance Exercises Closure After Stroke Book Thanks for subscribing to Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT! This podcast episode and video post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min

  4. APR 8 ·  BONUS

    Is it your shoes that are making you fall?

    Thank you for tuning in! This week I wanted to give thanks to all that subscribed and helped me with a successful launch of my Believe in Balance Course here on Substack. It enables me to give back to community programs I support including Homes for Our Troops and StrokeOT. Learn more in this video episode plus my PT perspectives from the clinic and community on footwear and falls, recent falls and balance research, along with what’s next for the Believe in Balance Course! If you missed it: Balance Workshop Replay If you want to: Begin Balance Course Module One Thanks for reading Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT! This post is public so feel free to share it. If you want to: Give to Support Stroke OT If you want to learn: Latest Balance Research New Australian research has shown that a tailored, home-based program can dramatically cut the number of falls, one of the most dangerous risks faced by survivors of stroke. The “falls after stroke trial” or FAST, published in the British Medical Journal, found a co-ordinated program of functional exercise, preventing hazards around the home and out-of-home mobility coaching reduced falls by 33 per cent over 12 months. Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Learn how a brief fall risk training (FRT) intervention significantly improved floor-rise ability and Perceived Ability to Manage Risk (PAMF). This study found integrating FRT into fall prevention programs may reduce long-lie consequences. That’s all for now! Look for my announcement of the next balance course module on cardiovascular fitness in the Achieve Balance subscriber chat. Questions? Reader Poll This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min

  5. MAR 30 ·  BONUS

    Announcement: Believe in Balance Course

    Thanks for reading and supporting Achieve Balance! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and upgrade to a paid subscription when it opens to support my work if you can. Your support enables me to offer my paid courses as scholarships and group presentations to those in need. Did you Miss the Believe in Balance Workshop? No worries, here’s your chance to jump back in and watch the course overview from this replay of the original workshop and beta group that recently finished the course! This free workshop is the best way to learn about how your balance works and help you understand why you might want to start thinking about investing in your balance early. Be sure you read and understand the course and workshop disclaimer at the bottom of this page before proceeding with any activities related to this course. The Fall Risk Assessment mentioned in the workshop can help guide you to determine if you or a loved one might be at increased risk for falls. It is advised you follow-up and contact your health care provider for a comprehensive falls screening if at higher risk. Here’s The Workshop Agenda: During this balance workshop you’ll learn: * The key strength and balance exercises that reduced falls between 35 and 40% for sedentary older adults using the proven Otago research-based balance assessment and treatment pathway. Learn the secrets to performing these quick mobility assessments and exercises! * Which functional measurements are used to quickly screen for your current balance, lower body mobility and strength levels. * Home mobility and fall prevention safety checklist before you get started * New tech tools to remotely assess and engage you in your balance training * Nutrition? Yes, that plays a role in your balance performance for sure and we’ll be talking about it! * Case Studies- 2 spotlights using the program from my clients’ experiences * How you can get started with access to our balance training course foundations program before the official launch of my new book. * Need more support? They’ll be coaching options announced soon to connect with me to guide you through getting started with the program to jump-start your success! * Take my workshop feedback survey to access a 7 day free trial of my SmartMovesPT coaching app. Full Course Coming to Substack for Paid Subscribers. Join my upcoming Live Event course announcement for complete details Workshop and Course Disclaimer: Before you begin this or any health and wellness program, ensure you are ready to become more physically active. It is always advised you consult with your health care professional and make the decision together based on your own health history if you are ready to begin to balance activities or begin any exercises. By reading this disclaimer you hereby acknowledge your awareness, readiness and voluntary participation in this balance workshop offered on this website for use in your home. You knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks and agree to release the presenter, David Dansereau,MSPT, and SmartMovesPT,LLC , as well as their employees and agents from all liability and claims arising out of your participation in this program and screening activities described in this workshop, as well as any videos and resources on our wellness portal, podcasts or on our websites. Questions? Listen to the Believe in Balance Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    54 min
  6. The New Horizon: The AgeTech Specialist

    MAR 7

    The New Horizon: The AgeTech Specialist

    Trusted Partners in AgeTech While older adults are adopting technology at increasing rates, several significant barriers still prevent widespread adoption. My most recent video helps explain how I use my smart ‘tech-ready’ checklist to help my aging clients and their family members solve both the critical trust and tech readiness care gaps to aging in place. If you missed my last podcast episode 18 I covered the key differences between a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and an Age Tech Specialist. You can listen on Substack via the link below or find it on your favorite podcast players. Trust, Privacy, and Security According to AARP’s 2026 Tech Trends report, data privacy remains the top-rated barrier to tech adoption. Older adults are highly concerned about what personal data is being collected, whether it is secure, and the risks of identity theft. These fears are especially pronounced with new tools like AI, where users worry about AI-generated scams (such as fake phone calls mimicking family members) and the overexposure of their personal information. Tip: A first step in ‘tech safety 101’ with my clients is always keep up with the latest software updates to all the devices they connect with online! The latest AARP report shows that the average 50 plus year old household owns over 7 connected devices, that’s great but it also presents increased safety risks if these devices are outdated. Thanks for reading Achieve Balance! This post is public so feel free to share it. Information Overload and Confusion The pace of innovation can be exhausting. The 2025 Linkage Connect report found that the single greatest barrier for older adults—particularly for women 75 and older—is simply keeping up with the latest technology and not knowing what to buy. Many older adults feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available on the market. Lack of Perceived Value Older adults tend to adopt technology based on clear “needs” rather than “wants”. If a device does not meet a practical need, they are unlikely to use it; for example, many skip smart home automation because they simply don’t see the benefit. AARP notes that understanding the relative value of a product—answering the question, “Why should I care?”—has become the second most significant barrier to adoption. One of the consulting roles I take seriously is to keep up with the latest technology trends (see the agetech map below) and help my clients understand why they should care when it comes to home safety and agetech solutions that can keep them thriving and independent in their homes. Finding effective and affordable agetech solutions extends to their families as well, as the latest caregiver report demonstrated the 63 million Americans now provide care to a family member, which has increased over 45% in recent years. Thanks for reading Achieve Balance! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Coming Up Next in my Achieve Balance Agetech Series: My SmartMoves Home AgeTech Market Report with a focus on market drivers and health and wellness innovations. See correct answer to this poll in my tip section in this article! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    15 min

  7. FEB 12

    Let’s Talk Aging Well in the Home

    Welcome back to Ep 18 of the Believe in Balance Podcast! I’m your host David Dansereau a physical therapist as well as both a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and a Certified Age Tech Specialist. Today, I’m diving into these specialties because with the different titles it can be confusing. After the last episode when I discussed Digital Frontiers in AgeTech, I was asked by someone at the event curious about my titles what an ‘AgeTech’ specialist does. There are indeed many similarities and it can be confusing so what’s the difference between these two key professionals who help older adults stay independent—the Certified Aging in Place Specialist, or CAPS, and the Certified AgeTech Specialist? While both are focused on improving the lives of seniors, their approaches, tools, and expertise are quite distinct. Understanding these roles is crucial for anyone looking to make informed decisions about home modifications and technology. Listen and learn in this episode! If you are short on time I included a key visual in this episode show notes: Show Mentions: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min

  8. JAN 28

    Digital Frontiers in AgeTech and Frailty

    Believe in Balance Podcast Episode 17 Host: David Dansereau, MSPT, CAPS Last week I had the opportunity to attend Digital Frontiers in Frailty: Opportunities for Early Detection and Clinical Action, a hybrid full day workshop hosted by the Massachusetts AI & Technology Center (MassAITC) that brought together clinicians, engineers, researchers, and innovators to reimagine how we detect, monitor, and ultimately acton frailty in aging adults. The following episode and companion article linked below in these show notes is my review and takeaways from the workshop. As a physical therapist deeply invested in preserving independence, functional mobility, and strength across the lifespan for my clients, what struck me most was how consistently movement, exercise capacity, balance integrity, and strength emerged as central themes in every session — not just as outcomes to measure, but as actionable targets for intervention. Enjoy this episode and please chime in over on Substack or leave the show a review on your favorite podcast player! References: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
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Audio education on all things health and balance from the Substack for physical therapist David Dansereau's Free and Premium Achieve Balance Newsletter, Course & Coaching Community (intended to enhance learning on the go!) achievebalance.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    David Dansereau
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Dansereau,MSPT
  • Show Website
    Believe in Balance Podcast