TULSA, Ok. - The Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association (OKPMA) will hold its Fall Scientific Seminar and Exhibition on October 24-25, 2003 at the Southern Hills Marriott in Tulsa. Doctors of podiatric medicine from across the state will assemble to learn and discuss the most recent developments in podiatric medicine. They will also view exhibits from companies around the country who are trendsetters in developing products and services related to foot health.

The OKPMA is a non-profit state professional association, affiliated with the American Podiatric Medical Association, which is responsible for the accreditation and continuing medical education of podiatrists. The OKPMA's mission is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and delivery of foot health care. Its Spring and Fall Scientific Seminars provide opportunities for podiatrists to gain continuing medical education, interact with peers, and stay abreast of the latest developments in foot health.
"National Diabetes Month" is of particular importance to podiatrists, who routinely treat diabetic patients for associated foot problems, including chronic foot ulcers.

Exhibitors range from the local New Balance Tulsa, representing the national New Balance footwear brand - a major innovator of high performance running shoes - to companies as far away as Plymouth, MA. A major trend in foot health points away from the "one size fits all" mentality, as evidenced by the success of the New Balance Tulsa store. New Balance Tulsa has more widths and sizes of New Balance shoes than any other store in the state, ranging from AA to 6E and sizes 5-20. According to owner Kipp Keller, of particular interest to podiatrists and those with foot problems is the fact that "In terms of foot problems, we basically serve a preventive function, by ensuring each customer receives a properly fitted shoe. Every shoe we have will accommodate an orthotic, and we regularly get referrals from podiatrists and orthopedists."

Another of the 25 exhibitors represented at the seminar is Xenna® Corporation, which has developed a reputation as an innovator in natural foot care products. Based in Princeton, NJ, Xenna has developed and patented NonyX® Nail Gel and CalleX® Callus Ointment, which utilize natural, unique exfoliating ingredients. NonyX Nail Gel takes a completely new approach to the problem of yellow or discolored nails by removing thickened keratin debris, which can build-up under both toenails and fingernails. CalleX Ointment uses natural plant proteases to thin and soften callus tissue and rough, flaky skin. Both products are recommended by podiatrists and have been featured in "Podiatry Today."

Harvest Technologies Corp., based in Plymouth, MA, has developed technologies for accelerating the healing process after surgery by removing a small sample of the patient's own blood, and concentrating the platelets, which are then injected back into the patient. Since proteins and platelets are the key substance in the body's own healing mechanisms, concentrating these at the surgery site greatly accelerates the body's own natural healing process. According to Frank Stephenson, VP of Marketing and Sales, "Essentially, the patient is the factory." Harvest's SmartPReP system represents a quantum leap in wound care, since physicians can use the system themselves, rather than send patients to a wound care center. This is of particular value to podiatrists, who often see diabetic patients with chronic foot ulcers. Platelet alpha granules contain potent growth factors necessary to begin tissue repair and regeneration at the wound site, and reduce chances of infection and other complications.