BBC debut for physio lecturer

Glasgow Caledonian University Physiotherapy Lecturer David Hegarty has made his debut broadcast appearance on BBC Radio Scotland Mornings show with Stephen Jardine talking about ageing and balance.

He said he was delighted to be asked onto the programme to share his expertise on the importance of balance and how to maintain it when muscle mass begins to deteriorate from the age of 40-45.

David reached out to thousands of listeners encouraging them to be more aware of their balance and gave them tips and tricks on how to challenge themselves to improve their balance.

He said: “It was nice to be asked on to this very popular BBC Scotland Radio programme to explain what balance actually is and share my expertise on the importance of maintaining balance as we get older.

“It was good to be able to reach out to such a wide audience, and give some simple tips and tricks on how to improve balance. There is no silver bullet but the key is to regularly challenge your balance.

“You don’t necessarily have to go to a gym or a class. Going for a forest or beach walk on tricky terrain can help. Feeling wobbly or unsteady on the surface, and not being able to do two things at once are good indications that you are challenging your balance.”

David is a qualified physiotherapist and Parkinson’s disease trainer, registered with the Health Care Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. He has a special interest in research into neurology, care of older people and palliative care.

He is a member of the School of Health and Life Sciences’ Research Centre for Health - Living with Stroke and other Long-term Conditions Research Group.

ReaCH makes a direct and significant contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 3 – good health and wellbeing – issued by the United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint for peace and prosperity across the planet.

You can listen to David’s advice on BBC Radio Scotland Mornings 1hr 54mins into the show - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001dnkq