November 2005

Allied health professionals meet at IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis

Mark your diaries for Sunday 4 June 2006

Nyon, Switzerland-- The first program dedicated to allied health professionals will be held as part of the IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis, to be held in Toronto, Canada, next June.

Running from 09:00 to 15:00, on Sunday June 4, 2006, the day will feature osteoporosis-related presentations by nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, aimed at people working in these fields.

"We are delighted that allied health professionals will be participating in this important congress as they form an important part of the team in osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The care of patients with osteoporosis relies on the entire spectrum of health care professionals, not just physicians," said Professor Ren� Rizzoli, chairman, IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors and chairman, IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis 2006 Scientific Committee.

Presenters for this session, who will discuss management of patients with osteoporosis from an allied health professional perspective include:

In addition, a plenary lecture "Paleolithic Lifestyle and Bone" will be given by Dr. S. Boyd Eaton, USA and highlights of the Congress will be presented by Prof. Ego Seeman, Australia.

The IOF WCO, which will be held June 2-6, 2006, is the world's largest scientific congress devoted specifically to osteoporosis, and is expected to attract more than 6,000 global participants.

Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. One out of three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men 1, 2, 3. Unfortunately, screening for people at risk is far from being a standard practice. Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 170 member societies in 84 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis.

1. Melton U, Chrischilles EA, Cooper C et al. How many women have osteoporosis? Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1992; 7:1005-10

2. Kanis JA et al. Long-term risk of osteoporotic fracture in Malmo. Osteoporosis International, 2000; 11:669-674

3. Melton LJ, et al. Bone density and fracture risk in men. JBMR. 1998; 13:No 12:1915

IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis, held every two years, is the only global congress dedicated specifically to all aspects of osteoporosis. Besides the opportunity to learn about the latest science and developments in diagnosis, treatment and the most recent socio-economic studies, participants have the chance to meet and exchange ideas with other physicians from around the world. All aspects of osteoporosis will be covered during the Congress which will comprise lectures by invited speakers presenting cutting edge research in the field, and a large number of oral presentations and poster sessions selected from submitted abstracts. More than 70 Meet the Expert Sessions covering many practical aspects of diagnosis and management of osteoporosis are also on the program.

For more information on osteoporosis and IOF please visit: www.osteofound.org