PLATTSBURGH — A fall can change a life in an instant. Falls are one of the most common and serious health risks facing older adults, often resulting in injuries that threaten a person’s health, mobility and independence.
To help reduce that risk and help older adults in the community remain active and self-sufficient, the University of Vermont Health Network — Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Trauma Program hosts, On Your Feet & Independent, an adult fall prevention program on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the CVPH Boardroom. The free seminar is designed to help educate older adults, families, and caregivers about fall prevention.
On Your Feet & Independent will be presented by Tom Moran, MA, EMT, Trauma Education, Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator at Albany Medical Center. Moran will discuss common fall risks, practical ways to prevent falls and community resources available to support healthy, independent living.
“We try to show that adult falls result from a combination of risk factors and how small changes in everyday life can help mitigate these risk factors. This program emphasizes the importance of finding alternatives to risky behavior, identifying fall hazards in the home, managing chronic illness and medications, staying active and exercise regularly. We are happy to partner with the great caregivers at CVPH to help get this important information out to where it will do the most good,” Moran said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately one in four seniors report experiencing a fall each year, and about one-third of those falls require medical attention. Falls also remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults.
Locally, falls accounted for 83% of the trauma patients treated at CVPH in 2025, according to CVPH Trauma Program Manager Eric Gadway. He added that nearly one in five of the older adults hospitalized following a fall required surgery to repair fractures.
“Fall-related injuries can lead to significant complications, including death, particularly among older adults with underlying health conditions,” he cautioned and explained that many falls can be prevented with greater awareness and easy modifications to the home.
“These numbers emphasize just how quickly a fall can alter someone’s life,” Gadway said. “Understanding the risk factors and doing what is needed to prevent falls can help older adults maintain their health, independence and quality of life.”
The program is open to the public. Registration is suggested. To register, email egadway@cvph.org.