Mega Doctor News
For many older adults, a simple misstep can have life-changing consequences.
As we age, changes in strength, balance, vision and overall health can make staying steady on our feet more challenging. When combined with medication side effects and hazards in the home, those factors can significantly increase the risk of a fall.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among older adults in the United States. More than 14 million Americans age 65 and older experience a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in approximately 3 million emergency department visits and nearly 41,000 deaths.
“Many people don’t realize how quickly fall risk can increase with age,” says James Gratton, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen Level I Trauma Center. “Changes in vision, hearing, mobility and reaction time can make it harder to recover from a stumble. Even common household hazards like cluttered walkways, loose rugs or poor lighting can create dangerous situations.”
For seniors, the impact of a fall often extends far beyond the initial injury. The CDC reports that experiencing one fall doubles the likelihood of another, while repeated falls increase the risk of serious injuries, including hip fractures, which are a major cause of hospitalization and loss of independence among older adults.
“After a fall, many seniors become less active because they’re afraid it may happen again,” says Dr. Gratton. “Unfortunately, reduced activity can lead to weaker muscles, poorer balance and decreased mobility, creating a cycle that increases the risk of future falls.”
To help older adults and caregivers break that cycle, South Texas Health System is partnering with Prominence Health to launch Staying S.A.F.E. from Falls, a free educational conference series focused on fall prevention, injury reduction and healthy aging.
The monthly traveling conference will visit communities across the Rio Grande Valley from September through December, offering older adults practical tools and expert guidance to help them remain safe, active and independent. The program is designed to strengthen awareness, encourage confidence and empower seniors to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of falling.
“Fall prevention starts with education,” says Faith Arredondo, DPT, Lead Therapy Manager at STHS McAllen. “When older adults understand the factors that contribute to falls and learn strategies to protect themselves, they’re better equipped to stay mobile, maintain their independence and continue doing the things they enjoy.”
Presented by the STHS McAllen Trauma Department in partnership with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation specialists, the conference will feature interactive presentations and expert-led discussions on a variety of fall prevention topics.
Sessions will include understanding common fall risks, medication safety, exercise and balance training, injury prevention, trauma services and a patient perspective on recovery following a fall.
The dates, times and locations for the four Staying S.A.F.E. from Falls conferences are:
| Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 275 S. Kansas Ave., Weslaco, TX 78596 |
| Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. McAllen Chamber of Commerce 1200 Ash Ave. W, McAllen, TX 78501 |
| Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce 202 W. Tom Landry St., Mission, TX 78572 |
| Wednesday, December 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Self Help Center La Casita Precinct #3 6163 FM 1430, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 |
In addition to the educational sessions, attendees will have access to free health screenings, including gait and balance assessments, along with a community resource expo featuring senior-focused services and support programs from STHS, Prominence Health and local organizations.
“Falls are not an inevitable part of aging,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for STHS. “With the right knowledge and support, older adults can take meaningful steps to reduce their risk and stay active in their communities. This conference is about giving seniors and their caregivers practical information they can use every day to live safer, healthier lives.”
No registration is required. All conferences are free and open to the public. For additional information, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To learn more about fall prevention and healthy aging resources, visit southtexashealthsystem.com.
