(Jan. 19) -- Many people aren’t aware, but the Missouri Delta ReBalance and Dizziness Center in Sikeston is one of just three in the state of Missouri, with St. Louis and Kansas City being the other two.

Sharon Urhahn spoke during Thursday’s Sikeston Regional Chamber luncheon, telling those in attendance of the benefits of the ReBalance and Dizziness Center.

She said about 4-5 years ago, they started with Dr. Chance White, a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular.

“He’s been doing a lot of treatment for dizziness and the feedback we get from changing people’s lives is incredible,” Urhahn said.

White’s desire was to do a whole program, but he needed a vestibular audiologist, which are hard to find. However, MDMC was able to find Dr. Zach Shaw, an audiologist that specializes in vestibular.

Shaw, who is only one of three audiologists that specialize in vestibular in Missouri, was on hand at the luncheon and gave a short demonstration of some of the tests that they would give and gave free tests after the meeting to those in attendance who wanted it.

With the program, White and Shaw can evaluate and treat vertigo, dizziness, mobility and balance disorders.

“Many people are dizzy, and they think they have to live with it but it’s just not true,” Urhahn said.

There is also a vital role of inner ear function in academic performance of children. Helping to identify these deficits is simple and could change a child’s life for the better. Recently, White and Shaw did a screening of all the Sikeston kindergarten students to make sure they didn’t have any vestibular issues.

“The goal is to catch them before they get behind on their reading,” Urhahn said.

Those who are interested in a free screening can call 573-472-6034 for more information.