Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in Canada, affecting 0.6% of the population. Friday, March 26, is Purple Day, the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness, encourages all Islanders to wear purple in support of epilepsy awareness.
”Being informed is the first step towards improving the lives of those living with epilepsy in our community,” said Minister Bertram. “This Friday, people from around the world will be wearing purple in support of epilepsy; I encourage all Islanders to make this small gesture to illustrate their awareness of epilepsy in Prince Edward Island.”
Founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, Cassidy created the day to tell other kids about the disorder and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. She named the day after the internationally recognized colour for epilepsy, lavender.
”Purple Day is a reminder that people with epilepsy deserve understanding and acceptance,” said Paula Lenentine, member of the PEI Epilepsy Association. “When the public is given information about seizure types and seizure first aid training, their fear subsides and they feel more at ease in their communities.”
The PEI Epilepsy Association is always looking for additional volunteers. For more information on epilepsy in Prince Edward Island, or to volunteer, email the Association at Epilepsy_PEI@Yahoo.ca.
BACKGRROUNDER
• Approximately 0.6% of the population in Canada has epilepsy.
• Epilepsy is not contagious. It is a disorder that affects the brain and shows itself in the form of seizures.
• Anyone can develop epilepsy at any time.
• Each day in Canada, an average of 42 people learn that they have epilepsy.
• In 50 - 60% of cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. In the remainder, the following causes are often identified: brain tumour and stroke; head trauma; injury, infection or systemic illness during pregnancy; aftermath of meningitis or viral encephalitis.
• This year, an average of 15,500 people will learn that they have epilepsy: 44% are diagnosed before the age of five; 55% before age 10; 1% of children will have recurrent seizures by age 14; 75-80% before age 18; 1.3% are over the age of 60. About 60% of new patients are young children and senior citizens.