Voice Epilepsy

Voice Epilepsy Episode 6: The Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy

This podcast focuses on the use of the ketogenic as a potential epilepsy therapy featuring the expertise of Dr. Linda Huh, MD, FRCPC – a pediatric neurologist and director of the Ketogenic Diet Program at British Columbia Children’s Hospital – and Lawren Fischer, BSC, RD – a registered dietician at the Ketogenic Diet Program at British Columbia Children’s Hospital – who both use the Ketogenic Diet in their clinical practice.

Voice Epilepsy Episode 5: A New Diagnosis. The New Normal.

Have you been recently diagnosed with epilepsy? Are you a family member, friend or loved one of someone living with epilepsy and wondering how your daily life will change due to epilepsy? Are you an employer who has an employee with epilepsy? Are you a teacher or professor who has a student with epilepsy in your class? Are you a health care provider who has patients or clients with epilepsy?

 

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, then our A New Diagnosis. The New Normal. podcast is the perfect podcast for you!

 

Join Christine Jamieson – BC Epilepsy Society Impact Speaker and a person living with epilepsy who holds the titles of Miss BC 2018 and Miss Canada 2019 – and Sonia Ali – BC Epilepsy Society Provincial Manager of Programs and Services– as they go over how to navigate the new normal after a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Voice Epilepsy Episode 4: March 26th International Purple Day™ & COVID-19 2020

Prevent Anxiety Around COVID-19

 

On Wednesday March 11th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. To help lessen some fears and anxieties, we have compiled information on COVID-19 and what you can do to decrease your risk of contracting it. Please see below for this information:

 

What is COVID-19?:

 

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are part of a large family of viruses that may cause illness in animals/humans. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

 

Symptoms of COVID-19:

 

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people may also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose or sore throat. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually and are similar to symptoms associated with colds and flu.

 

It is important to note that some people who are infected with COVID-19 may present with very little symptoms or no symptoms at all and symptoms sometimes may also take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. 

 

How is COVID-19 Diagnosed?:

 

COVID-19 is diagnosed by a health care provider based on symptoms and other factors (such as travel to affected areas) and is confirmed through laboratory tests.

 

How is COVID-19 Treated?:

 

While there is currently no treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, approximately 80% of people infected by COVID-19 will recover on their own. However, it has been found that 1 out of every 6 people develop serious illness, which can cause difficulty in breathing.

 

People who are more likely to develop serious illness include the elderly, the immunocompromised and people with underlying medical problems, such as heart problems, diabetes and high blood pressure.

 

Am I At Greater Risk Due To Epilepsy?:

 

It has been found that epilepsy does not present an increased risk of catching COVID-19 or developing serious illness. However, some of the symptoms of COVID-19, such as high fever, cough and difficulty breathing, may put you at an increased risk of seizures.

 

This may be due to the fact that feeling unwell and having a higher temperature can be a trigger for seizures and coughing and difficulty breathing can keep you up at night and lack of sleep can also be a trigger for seizures. If you are feeling an exacerbation of seizures due to these symptoms, please contact your healthcare professional.

 

What Should I Do If I Become Ill?:

 

If you become ill, you should quarantine yourself at home as quickly as possible and immediately contact your health care provider or local public health authority. Inform them about your symptoms and any other pertinent details, such as your travel history, if you have had any contact with a sick person, etc. and get tested for COVID-19.

 

How Can I Protect Myself from COVID-19?:

 

There are many actions that you can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are some options at your disposal:

 

1. If you are sick, stay home from work and/or school and avoid public places
2. Encourage others who are sick to also stay home from work/school and avoid public places
3. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds
4. If you are in a situation where you are unable to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that’s 60% to 95% alcohol
5. Cough and/or sneeze into your elbow
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as door handles
7. Fill your prescriptions regularly to ensure you have enough anti-epileptic medication in case you are unable to leave your house
8. Limit your contact with others, such as avoiding sports games, concerts, events, etc. or other places where there are crowds or large gatherings
9. When greeting people, try waving rather than shaking hands or hugging
10. Stay at least 1 meter away from someone who is coughing and/or sneezing
11. Try not to touch your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth
12. Keep up to date on COVID-19 hotspots (areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely) and avoid travelling to those areas
13. Change your regular habits, such as working out home instead of at the gym, doing online grocery shopping, etc.
14. Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food items, toilet paper, etc.
15. Ensure you are getting information about COVID-19 from experts and reputable sources and not relying on other people’s opinions 

It is understandable to feel anxious or worried about COVID-19. We hope that the information contained in this blog post will help lessen some of your anxieties and worries. Find out more about COVID-19 here.

Voice Epilepsy Episode 3: Epilepsy Friends Forever (EFF)

In Episode 3 of the Voice Epilepsy™ podcast, host, Kim Davidson, the CEO & Executive Director of the BC Epilepsy Society and the Founder of the I AM A VOICE for Epilepsy Awareness™ campaign, is joined by members of our Epilepsy Friends Forever (EFF) program to discuss the importance of epilepsy friendship groups for children and youth living with epilepsy. For more information, please check us out at www.bcepilepsy.com and www.iamavoiceforepilepsy.com.

Voice Epilepsy Episode 2: Seizure First Aid & Seizure Definitions

In the second episode of the Voice Epilepsy™ podcast, host, Kim Davidson, CEO & Executive Director of the BC Epilepsy Society and Founder of the I AM A VOICE for Epilepsy Awareness™ campaign is joined by Sonia Ali, Provincial Manager of Programs and Services at the BC Epilepsy Society. Listen to find out more about seizure first aid and safety, including how to recognize the different types of seizures and what to do in the event of a seizure. For more information, please check us out at www.bcepilepsy.com and www.iamavoiceforepilepsy.com.

Voice Epilepsy Episode 1: Men & Epilepsy

Tune in to the first episode of the Voice Epilepsy™ podcast. Join host Kim Davidson, CEO & Executive Director of the BC Epilepsy Society and the Founder of the I AM A VOICE for Epilepsy Awareness™ campaign, as she provides an in-depth introduction to men and epilepsy. For more information, please check us out at www.bcepilepsy.com and www.iamavoiceforepilepsy.com.