There is a proverb ‘Health is Wealth’, that means being healthy and fit is the biggest wealth. If we are healthy we can do anything. Day by day changing climate, food habits, lifestyle is affecting our health, due to which new diseases are arising every day.
There are some diseases which occur hereditarily or due to our food habits, which can be treated. To bring awareness about such diseases every year a day is celebrated in the name of that disease. One of the disease is Epilepsy or generally called as fits. To bring awareness about this disease in India every year November 17 is observed as National Epilepsy Day.
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of brain characterised by recurrent seizures or fits. The seizures are caused as a result of sudden, excessive electrical discharges in the brain. The condition can affect people at any age and each age group has unique concerns and problems.
According to WHO (World Health Organisation), about 50 million people have epilepsy across the world, out of which 80% people are living in developing countries. Although epilepsy is treatable, yet three-fourth of affected people in developing countries do not receive the required treatment. In India about 10 million people suffer from seizures associated with epilepsy.
In India, November 17 is observed as National Epilepsy Day by the Epilepsy Foundation, to create awareness about Epilepsy. The National Epilepsy Day is a national level campaign initiated by the Epilepsy Foundation of India to reduce the prevalence of Epilepsy in India.
The Epilepsy Foundation of India was founded by Dr. Nirmal Surya in 2009. It is a non-profit charitable organisation to help people with seizures to have a fulfilling life and to change their view about epilepsy in society.
On this Epilepsy Day the foundation undertakes various activities such as debates, seminars, epilepsy detection camp etc. Other than this foundation also celebrates national festivals.
Some Symptoms of Epilepsy
• Sudden twitching (Uncontrollable jerking motions of arms and legs)
• Loss of Consciousness
• Feeling of pricking pins or needles in arms or legs
• Stiffness in muscles of arms, legs or face.
Tips to deal with
• Do not try to restrain the person
• Remove sharp or harmful objects out of the person
• Loosen any tight neck wear
• Put something soft under her or his head
• Gently roll the person onto one side so that any fluid in the mouth can come out safely
The epilepsy is mostly treatable with medication. But one should not delay in its treatment. Start the treatment as soon as it is diagnosed.
