March
26 is known as Purple Day throughout the world. The day’s purpose is to
raise awareness for epilepsy. This post will give you everything you
need to know about Purple Day and epilepsy!
1. What Exactly Is Purple Day,
And Why Was It Established?
Purple Day,
or Epilepsy Awareness Day, happens annually on March 26. On Purple Day,
people will wear purple and hold events to raise awareness of epilepsy.
Lavender is the international color for epilepsy and also represents
solitude.
It is a global grassroots event that
aims to raise global awareness of epilepsy and dispel prevalent myths
and fears about this neurological illness. This movement’s other goals
are to remove the social stigmas that many people with epilepsy face, to
provide assurance and advocacy to those living with the illness, and to
encourage people with epilepsy to take action in their communities to
achieve these goals.
2. What Is The Specific History Of Purple Day?
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The Beginning of Purple Day
Cassidy Megan, a nine-year-old from Nova
Scotia, Canada, launched Purple Day in 2008 with the assistance of the
Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia. On March 26, that year, the
inaugural event was place. Cassidy used her own diagnosis to spread
awareness throughout the world. After realizing the need for public
understanding of this prevalent neurological illness, she decided to
share her experiences with epilepsy.
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation in New
York and the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia collaborated in 2009 to
create Purple Day internationally and enhance the involvement of
organizations, schools, corporations, politicians, and celebrities.
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Purple Day Is Gradually Popular In The World
Purple Day has since developed into a
well-loved and supported national awareness day, with thousands of
people across Australia mobilizing their private, academic, and
corporate communities. Its purpose is to raise much-needed awareness and
funding for those impacted by epilepsy. Moreover, Purple Day gained
Royal Assent in March 2012, making it a legal day for epilepsy awareness
in Canada.
Purple Day’s global sponsors are
dedicated to bringing more collective attention to epilepsy awareness by
collaborating with individuals and organizations from all around the
world. Since the launch of Purple Day, the organization has organized
coordinated campaigns and has expanded its influence.
Dick Smith, an electronics shop,
announced a substantial corporate agreement with Epilepsy Action
Australia in December 2015 to celebrate Purple Day in Australia with a
$50,000 cash sponsorship, awards, and exclusive distribution of Purple
Day goods. Dick Smith was placed under receivership a week before the
2016 Purple Day celebrations. Later, the Retail Food Group contributed
$50,000 to match Dick Smith’s already pledged sponsorship.
During Purple Day in 2017, the Anita
Kaufmann Foundation set a Guinness World Record for the largest epilepsy
training session ever. After one year, the Epilepsy Care Alliance
called on the technology industry to drive more breakthroughs for the
treatment of epilepsy during the 2018 Purple Day.
Purple Day occurs for the third year in a
row on March 1, 2020, at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. A total
of 1,000 persons attended. The day concluded with a trip to Epcot,
where Spaceship Earth was painted purple to raise awareness of epilepsy.
A $250 reward was also available.
3. What Are Some Of The Most Prevalent
Epilepsy And Seizure Symptoms?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition
affecting the central nervous system, primarily the brain. It is
distinguished by a proclivity for repeated seizures.
A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if
they have at least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures, if they have one
unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and are very likely to have another, or
if they have been diagnosed with an epileptic syndrome.
Over 50 million individuals worldwide
suffer from epilepsy. That is more than the combined total of multiple
sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Premature death is about three times more likely among people with this
illness than in the general population.
People believe that epilepsy affects one
in every 100 persons, with an estimated 2.2 million Americans suffering
from the disorder. Epilepsy is neither a psychological problem nor a
contagious disease. Not everyone understands the particular situations
or events that cause seizures. However, some of the most common triggers
below can assist in recognizing certain seizure triggers:
- Failure to take seizure medicine as recommended
- Sleep deprivation
- Missed meals
- Stress, excitement, and emotional upheaval
- Menstrual cycle / hormonal fluctuations
- Disease or fever
- Low amounts of seizure medication
- Medications other than seizure medication prescribed by a doctor
- Flickering lights from computers, televisions, films, and other electronic devices, as well as bright sunshine
- Drugs in the street
Related post: 5 St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips to Celebrate Responsibly
4. What Is The Significance Of Purple Day?
Electrical disturbances experienced in
the brain result in seizures of different types. It is how a person
develops epilepsy. A frightening illness for the general public, who
frequently make incorrect assumptions about the sickness and the
potential of those who live with it.
Epilepsy is the fourth most prevalent
neurological disorder, following migraines, strokes, and Alzheimer’s.
There is a survey that points out one in every 26 Americans will get
epilepsy at some point in their lives. And the Purple Day event has done
a great deal to raise awareness about epilepsy. Here are a few specific
reasons why this holiday is significant and necessary in our lives:
-
It Promotes Understanding
Despite being a common condition in the
United States, not enough resources are spent on research and education
in the country. This is why Epilepsy Awareness Day is so important in
bringing the condition the attention it deserves.
-
It Eliminates Fear And Sigma
Education has the potential to eliminate
fear and prejudice. People living with epilepsy frequently face stigma
and discrimination, which can be more difficult to navigate than the
condition itself. Epilepsy Awareness Day significantly contributes to
people’s understanding and insight all across the world.
Purple is the preferred hue of 40% of
the world’s population. People who are passionate about color are
typically thought to be good humanitarians who are eager to help people
in need. These are excellent traits for epilepsy teaching and
assistance.
5. How Can You Get Involved In The Fight
Against Epilepsy And Seizures?
Here are some ways you can help raise awareness and funding during November and beyond for people affected by this condition.
-
Educate Yourself On Epilepsy
There is still much to learn about this complicated brain illness, particularly how it affects people’s daily lives.
-
Become Familiar With Seizure First Aid
A seizure can occur at any time and in
any place if you have epilepsy. Joining a seizure first aid program can
help safeguard your loved ones and others in your neighborhood. The
Epilepsy Foundation also offers classes on how to provide seizure first
aid.
-
Donate To An Epilepsy Charity
Donating to a respected epilepsy organization aids in the funding of innovative therapeutic research.
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Join A Volunteer Organization
If you’d like to volunteer your time,
the Epilepsy Foundation and other organizations have opportunities both
locally and online. You can help by organizing walks and other
fundraisers, hosting educational talks, and providing resources and
information to families.
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Use Social Media To Raise Awareness
Social media plays an essential part in
raising awareness about many critical problems, and your own accounts
can help you with your advocacy for Epilepsy Awareness Month.
-
Wear Purple Clothing Or A Purple Ribbon
Purple symbolizes epilepsy awareness.
During Purple Day, you can express your support by wearing a purple
ribbon. Other epilepsy awareness goods, such as T-shirts and jewelry,
can bring you a spectacular outfit during this meaningful day.
Learn more about 7 Fashion Tips to Brighten Up This Spring
-
Consult Your Doctor About Your Personal Risk Factors
Epilepsy is a frequent neurological
condition. While epilepsy cannot be completely avoided, you should
consult a doctor about some of your own risk factors, such as head
injuries, brain tumors, heart illness, stroke, infectious disorders,
immune system issues, or metabolic issues.
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Keep An Eye Out For Other Upcoming Advocacy Activities
There are plenty of other important
dates to remember during the year. The month of November, for example,
is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Moreover, International Epilepsy Day, which
happens on the second Monday of February each year, is another
well-known occasion.
In
conclusion, Purple Day is a fantastic opportunity to spread awareness
about epilepsy and help those living with the condition. It’s also a fun
day where people can join in activities that support epilepsy research
and education. If you want to do your part to support epilepsy
awareness, consider wearing purple on March 26th or participating in an
event near you.
Moreover, if you want to find gorgeous fashion and decoration products for this occasion, visit our Riverism website now! Thanks for reading, and have a happy shopping time!
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