August 17, 2009

THIS ISSUE
New Public Service Announcement
You Can't Swallow Your Tongue!

Partners in Teaching
Epilepsy Awareness for Schools

50th Anniversary of the BC Epilepsy Society
Celebrating Success

New Public Service Announcement

You Can't Swallow Your Tongue!
A new tongue-in-cheek, and in-your-face public service announcement has been produced by the BC Epilepsy Society. This isn’t your typical PSA - this is a humourous, lighthearted, and quirky take on seizure first aid procedures.

One of the most persistent myths about seizures is that someone could, “swallow their tongue” when they are having a seizure. This is not physically possible and nothing should ever be put in the mouth of a person having a seizure. Doing so could cause choking or injury.

It is estimated that 1 out of 12 people will have at least one seizure in their lifetime. However, according to a province-wide market research study conducted by the Mustel Group, most people still have little to no knowledge of what to do if they witness a seizure.

This PSA debuts on Monday, August 17th, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the BC Epilepsy Society.  You can watch it on YouTube, our website, and on television.

Partners in Teaching

Epilepsy Awareness for Schools
The purpose of the Partners in Teaching program is to provide teachers and students with information they will need to recognize seizures and their impact, and respond with appropriate first aid. By providing information and resources to schools, we can help ensure a safe and supportive environment for children and teens with epilepsy.

For many children and teens, it is the psychological and social aspects of epilepsy that have the greatest impact on their lives. Children with epilepsy may fear being teased or are left out of activities. The encouraging manner of teachers and classmates is essential in promoting positive social and educational outcomes.  

The Partners in Teaching program includes:
- Seizure awareness workshops for school personnel and students.
- Information sheets, including: Understanding Students with Epilepsy: Tips for Teachers, Epilepsy Fact Sheet, Seizure Types and First Aid, and School and Parent Partnerships.
- Books and DVDs for children and teens, including our classroom resource kits, which have been donated to school districts across the province.

As one of our 2009 scholarship winners wrote, “I think it is absolutely necessary to raise epilepsy awareness, and the place to start is in school.” For more information, contact Elvira Balakshin at 604-875-6704 or at outreach@bcepilepsy.com

50th Anniversary of the BC Epilepsy Society

Celebrating Success
August 17th, 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the BC Epilepsy Society. Since the incorporation of the Society in 1959, we have grown to provide a diverse and extensive range of programs and services, in meeting our mandate to empower, educate, and support British Columbians living with epilepsy and their families. 

You can show your support for the BC Epilepsy Society by taking out a yearly membership. Your involvement is essential in ensuring that funding for services, resources, and research is promoted in BC and beyond. 

For more information, please contact Shawn Laari, our Executive Director, at 604-875-6704 or at laari@bcepilepsy.com