10/01/2025
As we enter October—my amazing Mom’s birth month—the beautiful Fall season is truly in the air! 🍂 This time of year has always held special meanings for me and my family. Alongside celebrating her birthday, we also honor PA Week (October 6–12 each year), a tradition of PAs that originally began in 1987 to celebrate the profession’s founding in the 1960s.
For me, the overlap of these two celebrations is more than coincidence—it’s connection. My Mom’s wisdom and resilience have always inspired my path in medicine, and PA Week reminds me of the privilege I have as a Physician Associate to carry that inspiration forward in caring for others. Together, they remind me to pause in gratitude: for family, for community, and for a profession built on compassion and teamwork.
So this October, I celebrate both my personal roots and professional calling—and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue an important conversation close to my heart (and to many others’): Empowering Fall Prevention.
Last year, I joined Let’s Chat America on JOY106.3FM to highlight practical strategies that reduce fall risks and improve quality of life for all ages. This September, I was honored to return for a sequel segment—diving deeper into fall prevention with the tools of Lifestyle Medicine and the latest evidence-based recommendations.
Listen to the full interview here: ***Watch the 09/04/25 recording on YouTube***
Why Fall Prevention Matters
Falls remain a “dirty four-letter F-word.” They are the leading cause of unintentional injuries across all age groups, costing the U.S. billions each year and contributing to long-term disability. In fact, projections estimate 7 fall-related deaths every hour by 2030 if trends continue (according to the CDC).
The good news? Most falls are preventable. Through awareness, lifestyle choices, and daily practices, we can take micro-steps toward safer, stronger living!
Highlights from the Radio Segment
Here are just a few empowering takeaways we explored together on air:
- Lifestyle Medicine matters: Optimizing the six pillars—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, connectedness, and avoidance of risky substances—can significantly lower fall risk.
- Movement is medicine: Balance, flexibility, strength, and endurance activities are ALL essential. Even “micro-habits” like marching in place while waiting for tea or standing on one leg while washing dishes can train stability.
- Food as prevention: Diverse, plant-rich foods support muscle, bone, and cognitive health. Every extra vegetable a day is linked with reduced risk of falls and fractures.
- Mindset shifts: Stress, rushing, and unsafe habits can quietly increase fall risk. Reframing our routines with calmness, laughter, and connection helps protect us.
Taking Steps Together
Fall prevention is not just about age—it’s about living without fear of falling at every stage of life. Whether through yoga, tai chi, group activities, or mindful nutrition, small choices add up to powerful change!
Explore more handouts, resources, and past interviews at www.nhimado.org/media. And if you’d like to check your own fall risk, try the NCOA Falls Free CheckUp.
Finally, grab Chris Tolos’s (AKA Chris the PT) fantastic Fall Prevention for All BOOK and check out our published article here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11780619/
This October, I celebrate my Mom’s birthday, PA Week, and the gift of prevention. To my fellow PAs—thank you for the countless ways you’ve helped shape a healthier, stronger world. And to my Mom—thank you for being my lifelong example of resilience and love.
Let’s make Fall 2025 a season of standing tall, moving strong, and staying connected.
Until next time,
~Nhi Do, PA-C, IFMCP, DipACLM
