26th March each year is Purple Day in support of Epilepsy awareness worldwide. Cassidy Megan, a young girl from Canada started Purple day in 2008 to promote awareness of and raise funds for people with epilepsy.
now it's a global event which encourages people to wear purple and host fundraising events to promote conversation in support of those living with epilepsy.
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Unfortunately, many myths continue to surround the condition which, among other goals, Purple Epilepsy Day was set up to dispel.
Epilepsy Facts
Epilepsy is not a psychological disease. It's also not contagious. It affects an estimated 1 in 100 people currently. That's around 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. But it can be carefully managed with medication.
People living with epilepsy can become more familiar with their triggers. Among other things, they can include stress, strobe lighting, illness or missing medication and sleep. Once they know what their triggers are, they can avoid them. That'll help to reduce their likelihood of having a seizure.
Seizures
Seizures can present themselves in two ways. They can either be convulsive or nonconvulsive.
Either way, first aid in these situations is relatively simple. The important thing to remember is that the person should not be left alone until the seizure has passed. And don't restrain them under any circumstances. However, do guide them away from danger.
We offer useful paediatric first aid training and first aid at work courses that include training on how to manage someone in a seizure.
What you can do for Purple Epilepsy Day
Any support you can provide for epilepsy day would be welcomed. You could simply wear something purple to show your support. Or you could raise money by baking purple cakes or by organising fund-raising events. The funds you help to raise are vital in funding essential research. And it can help to raise awareness of what life is like with the condition too.
Contact Epilepsy Action or the Epilepsy Society direct to find out how you can help out.
