Idaho Conference on Health Care to feature second annual Thomas Geriatric Health Symposium

Among the highlights of the Idaho State University 22nd Annual Idaho Conference on Health Care set Oct. 30 is the second annual Thomas Geriatric Health Symposium, which will focus on the topic “Balance and Fall Prevention in the Elderly.”

Although geared toward students and professionals in the rehabilitation sciences, the symposium running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will offer plenty to the general public. Topics include “Balance and Fall Assessment and Treatment Strategies,” “Exercise Prescription in the Elderly to Assist in Fall Prevention,” “Pathology Related to Balance” and “Home Intervention for Older Adults with Impaired Balance.”

“Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, this interdisciplinary geriatric health symposium will be held annually and admission is free of charge to participants,” said Victoria Bañales, director of the ISU Division of Continuing Education. “This year’s topic should be of interest to a broad range of participants.”

Continuing education credits approved by various professional associations will be available for attending the Geriatric Health Symposium. In particular, the symposium will serve nursing home administrators towards their licensing requirements through the Idaho Board of Examiners; a certificate of completion will be provided.

The Thomas Geriatric Symposium is funded in memory of Ginny Thomas, who was a champion for both the traditional and nontraditional student and enthusiastically gave of her time, energy, ideas and friendship to support students in their quest for education. Ginny was the Director of the Rural American Scholarship Fund (RASF) from 1997 until she passed on in 2007 after a valiant bout with cancer.

The geriatric health symposium is one of four tracks at this year’s ISU Kasiska College of Health Professions’ Idaho Conference on Health Care. There is also a psychosocial track featuring an "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” workshop, an oral health track to advise dental professionals on “Planning for a Secure Financial Future,” and a pharmacy track that will provide Board of Pharmacy approved CEUs.

More information on the symposium or the health conference, including updated schedules and registration instructions, is available at www.isu.edu/kchp/hlthconf or by contacting Bañales at (208) 282-3155 or banavict@isu.edu.