First Aid for Epilepsy
Good morning everyone! I just want to take a minute thank everyone for their wonderful feedback on the new format of The Sunriser. It gives me great pleasure to produce this on a weekly basis, and thanks to Paul, I'm happy to share our proud Rotary past with you. I told Roger last Tuesday that he hasn't aged a bit.
I will try to my best to make this newsletter as informative as possible and I welcome any suggestions. I'd like to invite Rotarians to send me any community events that you want to share with the group, so we can better support our community.
This week I am proud to introduce Sandra Pidduck of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario.
What is a little known fact about epilepsy or a common myth about epilepsy?
One common myth that was thought to be true in the past is that someone who is having a seizure is at risk of swallowing their tongue. It is impossible to swallow your tongue.
How prevalent is epilepsy in C-K? Locally do we have a lot of resources available or do patients mostly have to travel to London or Windsor?
We do have a Community Neurologist here in Chatham and then of course, we have our own resources, but suffice to say, there is more resources in London.
Is there a success story or moment that drives your passion for healthcare? (I also see that you've worked for the Canadian Cancer Society).
My passion for this role is that I had a family member who was diagnosed with Epilepsy when I was very young. I didn't understand the seizures they were having and would have greatly benefited from an Educator to tell me what was happening. I don't want another child to go through that.
How could we as a Rotary club best contribute to epilepsy awareness or support in C-K?
My role in Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) is to educate and provide clinical information for those persons with epilepsy and their families and friends. I receive referrals from Neurologists/Doctors once a diagnosis has been communicated. I then meet with them to educate and ensure that they have support as they learn to live with the seizures and give them Seizure First Aid. I also do many school presentations where we can talk generally about epilepsy or to the classes and teachers of students who have seizures. We are funded for this role by United Way Chatham-Kent and are grateful for their support. Unfortunately the need is great and there are many programs we could be offering with further funding. My intent in presenting to you is only to provide you with education so that you can help spread the word of Epilepsy and Seizure First Aid.