Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network (COPN) Osteoporosis Canada's patient arm

COPN, the patient arm of Osteoporosis Canada, is a national network of people living with osteoporosis

Founded in 2004 by four friends who were determined to overcome the challenges of living with osteoporosis, this group felt living with osteoporosis need a strong voice to provide the patient’s perspective in all areas including medical matters, research initiatives, communication, public relations and education.

Become a member of COPN!

Sharing … supporting … informing: COPN connects people affected by osteoporosis coast-to-coast.

In support of Osteoporosis Canada’s vision of a Canada without osteoporotic fractures, COPN represents the interests of people living with osteoporosis within Osteoporosis Canada’s programs and activities. COPN connects individuals affected by osteoporosis, communicating information about how to live well with the disease and advocates for comprehensive access to diagnosis, treatment and care. Connect with COPN by signing up for our FREE membership online today or download the membership form (PDF).

Membership Benefits: 

(1) COPING newsletter 

As a membership benefit, you will receive COPING, a free newsletter offered primarily in an electronic format. COPING provides information you can trust and contains the latest medical information on osteoporosis and treatment options, reviewed by Osteoporosis Canada’s Scientific Advisory Council. If you don’t have e-mail access, COPING can be mailed to you bi-monthly.

Newsletter Highlights 

• Osteoporosis Medications
  “You may have heard of a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publication that reports on the association between use of zoledronic acid (Aclasta) and renal impairment (kidney damage). We recognize that you might find this report concerning and it may raise questions about your care. Osteoporosis Canada takes your concerns seriously and we will continue to be vigilant in order to inform you about the latest research. The publication has been reviewed by experts from the Scientific Advisory Committee at Osteoporosis Canada…”

• Osteoporosis and Calcium Intake
  “How do we know if we are getting enough calcium? How is calcium absorption measured? Because there is always a certain amount of circulating calcium in the blood, it is difficult to measure the amount of calcium absorbed from foods only. So to get accurate absorption data from ingested calcium, scientists used food that had been labeled with a specific type of marker…”

• Osteoporosis and Protein 
  “Eat too little protein and your muscles will become smaller and weaker. And that increases your odds of falling. Unfortunately, “with age, the desire to eat higher-protein foods appears to be reduced,” says Timothy Doherty, an assistant professor of clinical neurological sciences and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Western Ontario in London…”

(2) Virtual Education Forums

These live, interactive, on-line education forums feature topics that interest you with experts you can trust.

Osteoporosis Canada Patient Bill of Rights

With more than a year in the making and extensive consultation with members of the Canadian Osteoporosis Patient Network (COPN), Osteoporosis Canada is proud to present the Osteoporosis Canada Patient Bill of Rights.  The Patient Bill of Rights is an important advocacy tool for our organization, and reflects putting the vision and mission of Osteoporosis Canada into action.

Volunteer

Is your life in any way affected by osteoporosis?
Are you interested in representing people with osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis Canada and its patient network have many opportunities for you to join us.