Mega Doctor News
Falls among older adults are rising dramatically in the United States, with one in four Americans age 65 and older experiencing a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading to approximately 3 million emergency department visits.
Moreover, more than 41,000 U.S. seniors die annually from fall-related injuries, according to the CDC, making them the leading cause of injury-related death for adults ages 65 and older.
“Falls among older adults are becoming more common as age-related changes like vision loss, balance issues and chronic health conditions make everyday movements more challenging,” says James Gratton, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician, South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen. “When those factors are combined with environmental hazards like poor lighting, uneven surfaces or loose rugs at home, the risk of falling increases significantly.”
Unfortunately, older adults who experience one fall are twice as likely to fall again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recurrent falls often result in severe injury, such as hip fractures or traumatic brain injuries, resulting in 1 million hospitalizations annually.
“After a fall, many seniors develop a fear of falling again, which often leads them to limit their movement and daily activities,” says Dr. Gratton. “That loss of activity can weaken muscles and balance over time, increasing the risk of future falls if the underlying issues aren’t addressed.”
Post-fall care and rehabilitation are essential for older adults to help restore mobility, maintain independence and reduce the risk of future falls.
“Specialized rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy, helps address injuries, rebuild strength, reduce fear and minimize hospital readmissions,” says Faith Arredondo, DPT, Lead Therapy Manager, STHS McAllen. “By focusing on strength, balance and safe movement, rehabilitation empowers older adults to remain independent and reduce their risk of additional falls.”
For their latest monthly “Spring Into Action for Fall Prevention” seminar, STHS and Prominence Health will educate Rio Grande Valley seniors on the critical role strength training and rehabilitation play in fall prevention and recovery.
“Rehabilitation enables seniors to rebuild the strength, balance and confidence they need for everyday tasks like walking, bathing and dressing, which can reduce their dependence on caregivers,” says Arredondo. “By addressing the underlying causes of falls, including muscle weakness and balance challenges, structured programs and postacute care help prevent longterm disability and avoid unnecessary hospital readmissions.”
Scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the seminar will include a special presentation by the STHS McAllen Trauma Department and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation teams, as well as interactive demonstrations of practical skills and exercises designed to improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility to help reduce fall risk.
In addition, the event will feature level-of-care assessments, including gait checks, as well as an expo highlighting senior focused resources provided by STHS, Prominence Health and local community organizations.
“Falls are common, but the fear and loss of independence that come with them don’t have to be,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Simple, practical tools can help seniors stay steady, confident and in control of their lives.”
No registration is required, and all events are free and open to the public. Sessions will take place in the Community Room at Prominence Health, located at 1700 S. 10th St. in McAllen. For complete details, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To learn more about fall prevention strategies, visit the STHS website at southtexashealthsystem.com.
