How to have a career and manage epilepsy with Jennifer Reyes - What the EF Podcast
UNDERSTANDING EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide with no regard to age, racial, social class, national or geographic boundaries (World Health Organization).
It’s also called a seizure disorder. A seizure occurs when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects parts or all of the brain. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy.
Seizures steal moments and memories, can change lives, impact development, affect learning and can even result in death.
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States after migraines, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease.
1 IN 26 PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WILL DEVELOP
EPILEPSY AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFETIME.
The Strongest People
are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about.
Be Engaged. Participate.
"I felt it in my heart that not only did I need to participate I also needed to be a leader.
My end goal is to educate on the topic of Epilepsy."
The more everyone talks about epilepsy, the less people living with the condition have to fear discrimination, worry about receiving improper first aid, or keep their epilepsy hidden in the shadows.
WE NEED TO HELP EVERYONE UNDERSTAND WHAT A SEIZURE LOOKS LIKE AND WHAT TO DO IF THEY SEE SOMEONE HAVING A SEIZURE.
As scary as living with epilepsy can be, I don't fear it anymore, knowing that I have a community of people who understands me.
I can proudly say, I no longer feel alone nor embarrassed.
I am now confident and hopeful, and my goal is that others feel the same.
3.4 million people live with Active Epilepsy
nationwide:
3 million adults
470,000 children
Speak Out
Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation to see what's happening in your community.
Get Involved in Epilepsy Community Events and Initiatives.
Volunteer. Share information.
Raise awareness in your hometown.