Believe in Balance Podcast

Beyond the Burn: 5 Surprising Truths About Finding Your Body’s True Balance

Welcome to Episode 22 of the Believe in Balance Podcast About this episode: Discard the guesswork that leads to the inevitable burnout of most health journeys. Many well-intentioned people start with high energy only to lose steam weeks later because they lack a sustainable blueprint or a powerful enough ‘Why’ to provide their True North. 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 our courses If you are joining me for the first time here, I’m David Dansereau, MSPT, a Physical Therapist and Nutritionist, Author of Body in Balance [https://www.smartmovespt.com/david-dansereau] and I’ve developed my “Achieve Balance” philosophy, coaching mindset and courses to replace this uncertainty with a strategic approach to wellness. This podcast episode reveals the impactful takeaways from some of my writing and my course curriculum that will shift your perspective from temporary fixes to long-term equilibrium. Ready to get started? Tune in to this episode here or on Apple, Spotify and now streaming on YouTube! Show resources and mentions: Host David Dansereau biosketch and company profile: https://www.smartmovespt.com/david-dansereau [https://www.smartmovespt.com/david-dansereau] Body in Balance Book: https://physicaltherapycoach.com [https://physicaltherapycoach.com] Subscribe for Achieve Balance and Believe in Balance Course Updates: https://achievebalance.substack.com/ [https://achievebalance.substack.com/] 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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

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: [https://open.substack.com/pub/knowstroke/p/fitbit-air-a-possible-game-changer] A Possible Game Changer for Stroke Survivors Seeking Affordable Wearable Tech for Recovery Insights and Health Monitoring Breakout Moment for Stroke [https://open.substack.com/pub/knowstroke/p/when-will-stroke-care-finally-get]? Reimagining Stroke Recovery Through Performance Metrics [https://open.substack.com/pub/knowstroke/p/reimagining-stroke-recovery-through] 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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] 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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com/p/announcement-believe-in-balance-course?r=lr4mj] and Podcast [https://achievebalance.substack.com/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 [https://open.substack.com/pub/achievebalance/p/medical-alert-systems] on this platform as well. For a Deeper Dive: I built my course Believe in Balance [https://achievebalance.substack.com/p/announcement-believe-in-balance-course?r=lr4mj] 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.

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 [https://www.apta.org/contentassets/53a734c7235c41a489c7146e8b39f0c6/stopping_addiction_falls_elderly_act.pdf] (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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com/p/believe-in-balance-course-module?r=lr4mj] * Module Two - Strength and Conditioning [https://achievebalance.substack.com/p/believe-in-balance-module-two-strength?r=lr4mj] * Module Three- Balance Exercises [https://achievebalance.substack.com/p/believe-in-balance-course-module-cdd?r=lr4mj] 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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

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 [https://www.hfotusa.org] and StrokeOT [https://www.strokeot.org]. 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 [https://achievebalance.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]