Reea Foundation creates awareness around epilepsy on International Epilepsy Day
CRAIGHALL PARK – Manager of the Reea Foundation Alex Sheffield said that one in every 100 South Africans are affected with epilepsy.
Reea Foundation decorated their centre in Craighall Park in purple on 10 February in order to create awareness about epilepsy on International Epilepsy Day.
Founder at the Reea Bookshop Judy Harding said, “We want to bring attention to people who suffer from epilepsy and mild neurological disorders. People see the purple bunting and start to ask questions, so we educate them about people at Reea.”
Manager at Reea Alex Sheffield said, “People feel that epilepsy is a disability but I don’t believe so. Today, with the medical advancements available, people can live a better, more normal life.”
Sheffield explained that the awareness day on 10 February serves as a precursor to Purple Day in March, when the foundation will have an educational awareness table and tenants on the property will each do something to create awareness.
He explained that many South Africans are unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with epilepsy, which often results in late detection.
Some signs and symptoms include seizures, fits, absent-mindedness, a history of head injury, complaints of headaches, loss of memory, children who are slow learners.
Sheffield said parents who suspect their children might be suffering from epilepsy should take their children to hospital or visit a local doctor to have tests done. Medication will then be prescribed according to the epilepsy type. He explained that parents should work around the environment in which the child lives in order to ensure safety and understand the individual. People with epilepsy should not be left unattended at home.
Sheffield said that approximately one in every 100 South Africans are affected by epilepsy.
He encouraged community members to educate themselves concerning the condition to combat the prevalence of stigma. “Some people believe that people with epilepsy are mentally unstable or bewitched if they suffer for epilepsy, or that they are contagious, which is not true,” said Sheffield.
Visit Reea on 28 March to learn more about epilepsy.
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