International Epilepsy Awareness Day (usually celebrated on the 2nd Monday in February), will be celebrated 9 February this year, by the Jamaican Epilepsy Association (JEA) on a renewed mission to educate the public and spread awareness about the highly misunderstood condition which affects over 13,000 persons registered with NHF in Jamaican.
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in the world, with a significant number of Jamaicans suffering from the medical condition. Despite this fact, it remains shrouded in mystery and discrimination. This year, the JEA will talk about how to go the distance toward a life with the best seizure control possible as well as how to overcome and manage Epilepsy.
Executive director of the JEA, Joy McHugh explained that National Epilepsy Month provides a great opportunity for the organisation to engage the public. “Epilepsy is more than seizures. It is treatable, manageable and controllable,” she stated. She added that some of the common causes of Epilepsy include brain injuries, chemical imbalances, strokes, brain tumors and can begin at any age and to anyone.
On Thursday 9 February, 2017, the JEA will host “Lunch & Learn” at Andrews Memorial Hospital Cafeteria at 12:00 noon. Neurologist, Dr. Roxanne Melbourne-Chambers will speak at this event and members of the JEA will be there to respond to your many questions about this medical condition. The public is invited to attend this free event
The JEA will host a social media campaign on Facebook & Instagram which will feature videos about epilepsy, posters, features of individuals living with epilepsy as well as tips on how to help someone having a seizure.
