HARRISBURG - Rep. Zach Mako's Northampton District Office will host a free balance and fall prevention screening later this month.

Conducted by Good Shepherd Physical Therapy, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon May 25 at 2030 Center St., Northampton.Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 888-447-3422."As people age, their risk of falling increases," Mako said. "When a person falls, it can result in sprains, broken bones and other health issues. By preventing falls through increasing a person's balance, health care costs decrease and independence increases."During the screening, a physical therapist will use the Timed Up and Gotest to assess balance and fall risk. This tool involves a sitting and walking exercise and offers next steps for those who are at high risk.The 183rd District includes South Whitehall (part), Washington and Whitehall (part) townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. It also consists of Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships, and North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County.