Falls prevention takes the stage with UNTHSC helping lead the way

Nicoleta-Bugnariu-WEB-2
Nicoleta Bugnariu, PT, PhD

Grandma fell twice. She wasn’t badly hurt, but her family was shaken.

Nicoleta Bugnariu knew what to do. She used her physical therapy expertise to create a rigorous exercise program for her “Bunica,” Romanian for “grandmother.”

Dr. Bugnariu, PT, PhD, Associate Dean at UNT Health Science Center, chairs the Falls Prevention Task Force of the Fort Worth Safe Communities Coalition.

For more than a decade, she’s devoted her career to helping people not only keep from falling but enjoy vigorous and rewarding lives.

“My Grandmother is my role model,” Dr. Bugnariu said. “This work is in her honor.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the work of the Falls Prevention Task Force culminates in Falls Prevention Day in Fort Worth. After Tarrant County Commissioners proclaim Falls Prevention Awareness Week, fun activities begin at 11:15 a.m. in Sundance Square downtown. Performers including the Steppin’ Grannies will demonstrate how staying physically active improves balance and strength and helps older people stay healthy and enjoy life.

Also at Sundance Square, representatives of the Falls Prevention Task Force and Senior Citizen Services will provide information on preventing falls. (National Falls Prevention Day is Sept. 23, the first day of fall.)

Every year, one in three people 65 and older takes a fall. Falling accounts for 13.5 percent of emergency room visits among people 65 and older, and the percentage goes up to 20 percent among those 85 and older.

That didn’t happen to Dr. Bugnariu’s grandmother. Her name was Oniga Florica, and she had Parkinson’s disease. She lived with Dr. Bugnariu’s mom in Montreal, and with her help and Dr. Bugnariu’s exercise program, she lived to see her 98th birthday. She was active until the last week of her life.

Fast facts from Nicoleta Bugnariu

  1. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
  2. The risk of falling can be reduced through interventions such as:
    • a fall risk assessment
    • regular physical activity to improve balance
    • medication management
    • home safety assessment and modifications.
  3. Older adults are encouraged to discuss possible fall risks with health care providers and to enroll in A Matter of Balance free workshops.

Recent News

Usha Sambamoorthi
  • Our People
|Apr 17, 2025

Dr. Usha Sambamoorthi awarded top faculty honor at UNTHSC’s Spring 2025 Faculty Assembly, among six finalists

On Thursday, Dr. Usha Sambamoorthi, professor of pharmacotherapy in the College of Pharmacy, was awarded The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s prestigious faculty achievement award. Each year, UNTHSC faculty nominate one of their own to be considered by the Faculty...
Image
  • Community
|Apr 16, 2025

TCOM to be a pilot for Phase 3 of NBOME’s Core Competency Capstone project

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine is continuing its work with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners as a pilot for Phase 3 of their Core Competency Capstone for Osteopathic Medicine project. Known as C3DO, the pr...
Screenshot 2025 03 19 082539
  • Community
|Apr 11, 2025

UNTHSC students take health care to underserved communities through medical missions

Three trips, thousands of miles and hundreds of students exporting health care from Fort Worth to numerous locations in Texas and Guatemala on medical mission trips offering free clinics to rural and underserved communities. More than 120 students and faculty from the Texas College of Osteopathic Me...
Mark Cunningham 40 Under 40
  • Community
|Apr 8, 2025

Dr. Mark Cunningham named one of Fort Worth’s 40 Under 40

Dr. Mark Cunnigham holds three advanced degrees. He established a thriving research lab that explores cardiovascular health in pregnant women and new mothers. He mentors future scientists, serves as a minster at his church and volunteers at local schools sharing his passion for science with kids.  ...