Believe in Balance Podcast

Rating Consumer Cellular's Iris Ally Medical Alert Device

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit achievebalance.substack.comMy Review of the Iris Ally Medical Alert DeviceThank 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 reviewThere 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 ResearchI 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.

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SAFE Ways to Build Better Balance

2w ago00:16:16Tap to summarize

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 CourseCourse Modules* Module One -Mobility WarmUp* Module Two - Strength and Conditioning* Module Three- Balance ExercisesClosure After Stroke BookThanks 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

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Is it your shoes that are making you fall?

Apr 800:16:12Tap to summarize

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 ReplayIf you want to: Begin Balance Course Module OneThanks for reading Achieve Balance with SmartMovesPT! This post is public so feel free to share it.If you want to: Give to Support Stroke OTIf you want to learn: Latest Balance ResearchNew 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

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Announcement: Believe in Balance Course

Mar 3000:53:46Tap to summarize

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 detailsWorkshop 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

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The New Horizon: The AgeTech Specialist

Mar 700:14:55Tap to summarize

Trusted Partners in AgeTechWhile 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

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Let’s Talk Aging Well in the Home

Feb 1200:12:02Tap to summarize

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

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Digital Frontiers in AgeTech and Frailty

Jan 2800:19:15Tap to summarize

Believe in Balance Podcast Episode 17Host: David Dansereau, MSPT, CAPSLast 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

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Do GLP-1s Now Have a New Quarterback and 'Chief Wellness Officer' To Champion Their Use?

Jan 1200:21:45Tap to summarize

If you missed my last episode on The GLP Gold Rush listen to Episode 15 as it will give more context to this follow-up and latest episode on the state of GLP use.Here’s the press release announcement from eMed welcoming Brady as Chief Wellness Officer.I’ll let you know if they get back to me for an interview to help us understand why they are different and why we should all dive in with the GOAT on GLPs.Don’t hold your breath on my update on if Tom will join us, but if you don’t ask the answer is automatically no, so I asked.Mentions:Thanks for reading Achieve Balance and Listening to the Believe in Balance Podcast! This post and audio is public so feel free to share it.Chime In! 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

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The GLP Gold Rush is Here (Now in Pill Form!)

Jan 600:13:46Tap to summarize

As the New Year kicks off, so do weight loss resolutions—and right on cue, a new wave of GLP-1 medications has arrived, this time in pill form. Marketed as more convenient, more accessible, and easier than ever, these drugs are poised to open the floodgates for mass adoption. But behind the headlines is a familiar story: a high-stakes race for market share, billions in projected profits, and a pharmaceutical industry perfectly timed to capitalize on our collective desire for a fresh start. In today’s episode, I’m unpacking what the economic costs of GLP-1s really means—for patients, for the healthcare system, and perhaps for the future of weight loss and behavior change. Are we manufacturing a new generation of lighter but weaker adults— in other words an epidemic of “thin frailty.”Stay tuned I’ll unpack it in episode 15 from a PT perspective!This episode is based on my recent article on Substack Read and Listen to More on GLPTom Brady now a GLP ‘Chief Wellness officer’ at eMed-Episode 16 just released with this press announcement. (Oh boy, let’s Go?!?!) 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

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Protein, Muscle Mass, Balanced Fitness and Contributing to Your Moving Well Longevity 'Retirement Fund'

Oct 2400:22:01Tap to summarize

The research on aging well and utilizing a balanced strength training program to offset sarcopenia (big word for-AGE ADJUSTED LOSS OF LEAN MUSCLE MASS) in our aging population is not new. In fact, the science behind staying strong into our 80s and beyond has been well documented for many years. One this episode: To highlight this fact, I’m going to jump into my ‘PT way back time machine’ to highlight a report on the science I presented while researching sarcopenia and the elderly back in my PT student training days. On this episode I’m reading my report I presented in PT graduate school from back in 2019 and comparing it to a recent podcast on the same topic some 25 years later by popular longevity expert, Dr. Peter Attia. After you listen to this episode, it hopefully begs the question to start thinking about why we aren’t doing more to boost senior fitness and health and longevity IQ.What hasn’t moved on this needle with all this new data is how we build programs to engage and encourage more seniors to contribute to their ‘longevity retirement fund’ (their muscle and strength levels) and get them building instead of breaking down muscle with age. My wish: I hope you listen to understand how to best prepare now to ‘fund’ your own healthy retirement and comment on this episode! We dove deep in to the financial impact of what it costs to remain inactive in retirement on my recent workshop.If you missed it:Here’s the Solution I’m Building to Address The Problem:During my Believe in 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, especially your protein needs with aging!* Case Studies- 2 spotlights using the program from my clients’ experiences* How you can get started with free access to our balance training course starter program before the official launch and connect with me to guide you through getting started with the program to jump-start your success!Thanks for reading Achieve Balance! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Show mentions:The Drive Podcast by Peter Attia: Rethinking protein needs for performance, muscle preservation and longevityIn this episode both guests make the case for a higher protein intake based on four fundamental tenets. They argued (with evidence) that the current RDA is too low for optimal muscle health, that higher protein intakes are not only better, but likely necessary to build and maintain muscle with age; that higher protein intakes are optimal for physically-active individuals; and that there are no health risks associated with higher protein intakes. Bottom line: Listen to my episode and theirs and make your own decision!Chime in below! 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

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All episodes

Rating Consumer Cellular's Iris Ally Medical Alert Device

SAFE Ways to Build Better Balance

Is it your shoes that are making you fall?

Announcement: Believe in Balance Course

The New Horizon: The AgeTech Specialist

Let’s Talk Aging Well in the Home

Digital Frontiers in AgeTech and Frailty

Do GLP-1s Now Have a New Quarterback and 'Chief Wellness Officer' To Champion Their Use?

The GLP Gold Rush is Here (Now in Pill Form!)

Protein, Muscle Mass, Balanced Fitness and Contributing to Your Moving Well Longevity 'Retirement Fund'