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Alpha-1 Symposium at American Thoracic Society International Conference

The landmark discovery of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was 50 years ago in 1963, and to mark this the American Thoracic Society (ATS) will host a special symposium, "Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: The Next 50 Years" on Wednesday, May 22nd as part of the ATS International Conference in Philadelphia. The invited speakers include Professor Gerry McElvaney who presents data from a study in Beaumont Hospital which clarifies the risk of COPD among MZ carriers.

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Annual Alpha-1 Conference 2012

The Annual Alpha-1 Patient Conference 2012 will take place at 10am on Friday 19th October in the Marino Institute of Education on Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. All Alpha-1 patients and their family members are welcome to the event.  

Annual Alpha-1 Patient Conference
Marino Institute of Education
Friday October 19th 2012
Agenda

09.30 Registration, Tea and Coffee

10.00 Conference Opening by Dr Ronnie Delany

10.10 Developments in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Alpha-1
Prof N.G. McElvaney, Respiratory Consultant, Beaumont Hospital

10.30 Practical Tips for Healthy Living
Dr Frank Doyle, Lecturer in Psychology, RCSI
     
11.00 National Screening Programme & Current Research Developments in Alpha-1
Dr Tomás Carroll, Alpha One Foundation & Dr David Bergin, RCSI

11.30 Research in Rare Diseases in Ireland
Eibhlin Mulroe, CEO, Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science and Industry

12.00 Smoking Cessation in the Community Setting
Miriam Gunning, Senior Health Promotion Officer for Tobacco, HSE

12.30 Light Lunch Provided in College Cafeteria
Representatives from the following groups will be present during this interval
           Health Promotion Unit Beaumont Hospital,
           Children’s Liver Disease Ireland
           Asthma Society of Ireland
           Citizen Information Services  

13.30 Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Michelle O’Brien, Physiotherapist, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, St Michael’s Hospital in Dun Laoghaire

14.40 Alpha-1 Support Group Meeting

16.00 Close

How to find us at the Marino Institute of Education

Location
 
Directions from the City Centre
 From the top of O'Connell Street, drive past Parnell Square to the Drumcondra Road.
 Follow the signs to the airport.
 After the Skylon Hotel, take a right at the next large crossroads; this brings you down Griffith Avenue.
 At the fourth set of traffic lights on Griffith Avenue, take a left into Charlemont Estate, leading to the entrance for Marino Institute of Education.
 
Directions from the M50
 After the West-link toll booth on the M50 drive towards the Airport.
 Take a right exit towards the City centre from Junction 3 at the M50.
 Drive the M1 to the N1 towards the City Centre.
 After the Regency Hotel take a left onto Griffith Avenue.
 At the fourth set of traffic lights on Griffith Avenue, take a left into Charlemont Estate, leading to the entrance for Marino Institute of Education.
 
Directions from the Airport
 Exit the Airport and drive on the M1 to the N1 towards the City Centre.
 After the Regency Hotel take a left onto Griffith Avenue.
 At the fourth set of traffic lights on Griffith Avenue, take a left into Charlemont Estate, leading to the entrance for Marino Institute of Education.
 
Car Parking
Complimentary Car Parking Facilities are available in the grounds for up to 150 cars.

Marino Institute of Education
Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9 Ireland
 t: +353 1 805 7700
 f: +353 1 833 5290
 e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an important protein produced by the liver, which is released into the bloodstream and travels to the lungs. Once inside the lungs it provides protection from the destructive effects of infections and harmful irritants, particularly tobacco smoke.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which, along with cystic fibrosis, is the commonest genetic lung disease in Ireland. It severely affects more than 2,000 people nationally, with another 10,000 individuals also at risk of lung and liver disease. It is the only proven genetic risk factor for COPD.