Mega Doctor News
Each year, about 37 million falls are reported among the elderly in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in millions of injuries and tens of thousands of deaths, making fallsa principal cause of injury and death for Americans aged 65 and older.
“The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — increases with age due to a decline in vision and hearing, changes in muscle mass and reflexes that might not be as sharp as they once were,” says Faith Arredondo, DPT, Acute Therapy Manager, South Texas Health System McAllen. ”Unfortunately, even a simple accident like tripping on a loose rug or slipping on a slick floor can change an older adult’s life. A broken bone, which thousands of elderly Americans experience each year, can be the start of more serious health problems and lead to long-term disability.”
The good news: Improving cognitive abilities, mindfulness and emotional well-being can reduce an individual’s fall risk, with studies showing practices like yoga, Tai Chi and dance-based exercise programs help strengthen balance and mobility.
”The mind-body connection is essential for fall prevention because our mental and physical states are linked,” says Arredondo. “A stronger mind is better at multitasking and reacting to challenges, which is critical for preventing falls. Meanwhile, being more present and aware of your body and your surroundings helps you avoid hazards and maintain balance.”
When it comes to fall prevention, health experts say a combined approach of physical and mental training has greater protective effects, with activities that involved both physical and cognitive components like Tai Chi particularly effective.
To help older adults in the Rio Grande Valley reduce their risk of falls through an improved mind-body connection, the STHS McAllen Trauma Department and STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehabilitation Center will partner with Prominence Health to host the fourth and final installment of their monthly “Falling Out of Danger: Fall Prevention Education Series” events on Wednesday, December 10, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Titled “Mind-Body Techniques – Tai Chi,” the session will take place at STHS McAllen, in the facility’s first-floor GME Classroom. It will feature STHS McAllen Rehabilitation Services Department & STHS McAllen Trauma Department staff members highlighting how our thoughts and emotions directly impact physical health and vice versa.
“Understanding the role our minds play in the avoidance of falls is an important part of protecting our health,” says Arredondo. “By managing stress, improving emotional regulation, increasing self-awareness and building resilience, we can reduce our risk of falls and improve our overall health and quality of life regardless of age.”
In addition, the event will include level-of-care assessments, including gait checks and blood pressure screenings, to help determine the best care for you or your loved ones, as well as an expo to highlight senior-related resources provided by STHS, Prominence Health and local community organizations.
There’s no need to pre-register for the event, which is free to attend. For complete details, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To learn more about fall prevention strategies, visit the STHS website at https://southtexashealthsystem.com/.
| Who: | South Texas Health System McAllen Trauma Department, STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehab Center & Prominence Health |
| What: | Falling Out of Danger: Fall Prevention Education Series: Mind-Body Techniques: Tai Chi |
| When: | Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Where: | GME Classroom (First Floor) South Texas Health System McAllen 301 W. Expressway 83McAllen, TX 78503 |
