Nearly 400 people living with epilepsy took steps to improve their lives by becoming MedicAlert Foundation members in 2011.
MedicAlert Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Turner, said that almost thirty percent of those new members were school-aged children 18 years and under.
This month the Foundation wants to improve the lives of even more people living with epilepsy by showing their support for Epilepsy Awareness Month.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system, resulting in recurring convulsive or non-convulsive seizures that can occur without warning.
By wearing a MedicAlert emblem around the neck or on the wrist, members living with epilepsy have the best chance of having their medical condition identified quickly and accurately, often meaning more appropriate medical treatment sooner.
“As a MedicAlert Foundation member, people living with epilepsy can have comfort in knowing the MedicAlert emblem has been in Australia for over forty years and it is well-recognised and respected by emergency and healthcare personnel across the country,” said Ms Turner.
March is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and includes a variety of events, community activities and media campaigns to raise awareness and improve understanding of epilepsy, culminating in Purple Day on March 26th.
“Purple Day is the chance for schools, businesses and community groups to show their support for epilepsy awareness by running purple themed events or wearing purple,” said Graeme Shears, Chief Executive Officer of the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria.
“It’s also an opportunity for people to tell their stories, and help to raise awareness and reduce the stigma that still exists.”
Medic Alert Foundation is showing their support on the day with their team wearing purple on March 26th.
For more information about the MedicAlert Foundation visit www.medicalert.org.au
