1st Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Congress Commences in EMU

Organised by Eastern Mediterranean University Health Sciences Faculty in collaboration with Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapists Association, "1st National Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Congress" commenced at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center at 9:30 a.m. on 8 April 2016.

Chaired by EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç and yprus Turkish Physiotherapists Association Chair Musa Muhtaroğlu, the congress entitled "Protective Physiotherapy at Every Age" commenced with the observation of a momen of silence, national anthem and the screening of EMU Promotional Film.

During his opening address, Muhtaroğlu thanked all participants and provided information about Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapists Association. Expressing his pleasure in collaborating with EMU, Muhtaroğlu added that during the congress, latest trends in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation will be shared with the participants.

Turkish Physiotherapists Association Deputy Ayten Özdemir also delivered an opening speech during which she expressed her pleasure in taking part in an important event in EMU. Özdemir also highlighted the importance of scientific meetings and work in the field of health and added that the congress will equip physiotherapists with new information in the field.

In her opening address, EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç thanked all attendees for their participation. Prof. Dr. Malkoç took the participants' attention to the increasing rate of chronic diseases both within the world and the TRNC and the search for possible solutions to the said diseases. At the end of her address, Prof. Dr. Malkoç wished everyone a fruitful conference.

On behalf of Eastern Mediterranean University, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam also delivered a speech and stated that EMU is a high quality institution introducing the firsts in every field possible. Stating that EMU's development and advancement will continue in a consistent fashion, Prof. Dr. Osam thanked all those who supported the organisation of the event as well as all attendees for their participation.

In his opening speech, Mayor of Famagusta İsmail Arter stated that there is a problem in the public access to physiotherapists and in this respect, they are carrying out a new project with EMU. Putting forth that they are proud of EMU, Arter wished all participants a successful event.

Following the opening addresses, physiotherapists Görkem Dizdar and Burcu Olguner performed in a dance show entitled "The Anatomy of Tango" followed by a presentation by Görkem Dizdar.

The first session of the congress which was on muscle-skeleton health was chaired by Prof. Dr. Malkoç and Pysiotherapist Muhtaroğlu. During the said session Prof. Dr. E. Handan Tüzün delivered a presentation entitled "Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents" followed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Ender Angın's presentation on "Spinal Health in Osteoporosis" and Assist. Prof. Dr. Gülbin Ergin's presentation entitled "Physiotherapy in Chronic Tiredness".

The second session chaired by Prof. Dr. E. Handan Tüzün and Prof. Dr. Nihal Gelecek hosted Assist. Prof. Dr. Özge Çakır's presentation on "Body in Healthy Aging – Mind Harmony – Qui-gong and Tai Chi", Assist. Prof. Dr. Berkiye Kırmızıgil's presentation on "Physical Activity at Youngsters", and Prof. Dr. Gül Baltacı's presentation entitled "Sports Until What Extent?".

Chaired by Prof. Dr. Gülden Polat and Prof. Dr. Nuray Kırdı, the third panel hosted Prof. Dr. Ahmet Turan Işık's talk on "Aging Syndrome", Prof. Dr. Filiz Can's presentation on "Physiotherapy in Elders", Prof. Dr. Nihal Gelecek's presentation on "Sarcopenia" and Assist. Prof. Dr. Gözde İyigün's talk on "Cognitive Rehabilitation".

The congress will end on 9 April 2016 after the completion of courses on "Physiotherapy in Diabetics" and "Integrated Approaches in Posture".