BC Epilepsy News and Events en-us Fri, 12 Dec 08 16:59:00 UT Fri, 12 Dec 08 16:59:00 UT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Marqui 6.4 System Administrator System Administrator Sponsored Research Publishedhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news01080901.aspxThe BC Epilepsy Society is proud to announce the publication of Dr. Veronica Shiariti's article regarding prevalence of childhood epilepsy in our province in the January 2009 edition of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Our Society has funded Dr. Shiariti's research, and we are happy to have played a role in furthering understanding of seizures and their effects on our population.

Dr. Shiariti's article on Period Prevalence of Epilepsy in Children in BC can be read here, and an editorial on the work is available here.
]]>Thu, 08 Jan 09 08:00:00 UTNewsweek Feature on Epilepsyhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news04200901.aspxThe April 20th edition of Newsweek features three well-written, thought-provoking articles on epilepsy, including a cover story that goes beyond explaining the condition, taking up a "call to action" to recognize that it has been overlooked and underfunded for far too long.

The lead article, "A Storm in the Brain," covers the statistics and history of epilepsy. It outlines the progress we've made to break down traditional stigma, but is unapologetically blunt when pointing out that its current levels of funding and attention are disproportionately low when compared to those of other conditions. It blames this failing on the very nature of epilepsy: that it is largely invisible and out of mind when the seizures are out of sight. The article is dramatic, but the facts are accurate, and such drama may help to grab the attention we need for research and support.

The other two articles, as well as the editorial, explore personal stories of doctors and families touched by epilepsy. They stick with the challenging tone when choosing to focus on cases of dramatic, uncontrolled seizures, but these do offer a perspective that is memorable and gripping, and there is inspiring action within the hardship. Families deal with pain through support of friends and family, alongside large-scale community organization. A doctor sees beyond seizures, placing choices in front of his patients, and prioritizing their quality of life.

With a circulation of more that three million hard copies a week, and a website that sees plenty of traffic on top of that, Newsweek is bringing epilepsy to the attention of a brand new audience in the US, Canada, and internationally. Some of those readers are bound to take up their call to action. To join the BC Epilepsy Society or learn more about our efforts to improve lives and fund research for a cure, please email us at info@bcepilepsy.com, or call 604-875-6704.

]]>Mon, 20 Apr 09 07:00:00 UT60 Minutes Feature on Epilepsyhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news10300901.aspxOn October 25th, 60 Minutes featured a piece by Katie Couric called "Epilepsy: A Fight for the Cure." The piece and the accompanying article can be accessed at CBS News. Through interviews with the Axelrod family and others who live with seizures, along with thorough research on current treatments and statistics, the story offers a balanced, realistic look at epilepsy, and we are pleased to think of the number of viewers who are now better informed about the cause.

We are also happy to see epilepsy returning to the forefront of major news coverage after this summer's Newsweek Magazine cover story (available here). We hope such awareness and interest will continue, and translate into action. In the meantime, we will continue our work with contributions to the community such as educational events, funded research, and new public service announcements - we're all part of that fight for the cure.
]]>Fri, 30 Oct 09 07:00:00 UTNew Epilepsy DVD for Schoolshttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news01121001.aspxA new DVD called, Epilepsy and Seizure Information for Schools, has been produced by the BC Epilepsy Society. This DVD has been developed in conjunction with our Partners in Teaching program, which provides free educational workshops, classroom resource kits, and information materials to teachers and students.

This DVD explains the facts about seizures and epilepsy, including recognizing seizures and first aid. It also describes associated learning impacts and teaching strategies to assist children with epilepsy. It includes interviews with medical professionals, school personnel, parents, and children.

You can watch this DVD on our website or on YouTube. Copies can also be ordered from the BC Epilepsy Society at outreach@bcepilepsy.com or at 604-875-6704. Click here for an order form.]]>Tue, 12 Jan 10 08:00:00 UTEpilepsy & Quality of Life Studyhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news03021001.aspx

A new Canadian study has shown that the health-related quality of life of children with epilepsy declines initially during the immediate postdiagnosis period, but eventually improves to levels close to those reported for healthy children.

The study was conducted by Dr. Kathy Speechley of the University of Western Ontario. This study was part of the largest prospective investigation of the health-related quality of life of children newly diagnosed with epilepsy to date, Dr. Speechley and her colleagues assessed children between the ages of 4 and 12 years with new-onset epilepsy from the time of their diagnosis through 24 months using two validated parent-report measures.

However, not all patients in the study improved, and there was a wide range in how their health-related quality of life was scored at baseline and then changed over the 2-year study period. The most common trajectories for health-related quality of life in these patients could possibly be explained through clusters of child, family, and health care factors that will be important to identify for managing and counseling patients and their families, said Dr. Speechley.

You can read more information here: Quality of Life of Children with New Epilepsy Diagnosis Improves With Time

]]>Thu, 18 Feb 10 08:00:00 UTSeizure Response Dogshttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news03091001.aspx

Special Skills Dogs of Canada currently has 10 spots available on their waiting list for a Seizure Response Dog. This charity is run by the Lions Foundation and is the only certified training program of its kind in Canada.

A Seizure Response Dog is an assistance dog that is trained to react to a person’s physical cues during a seizure (dropping, convulsions, etc) and to get other people’s attention by barking. They can also be trained to activate a Lifeline system to summon emergency help. As well, the dog is also trained to lie quietly beside the person once the seizure is over and to give comfort to the individual who may be fearful or disorientated.

Applicants for the program must be the age of 8 and over, have at least a few epileptic seizures per month, be able to attend a 19 day training course in Oakville, Ontario (all travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the Lions Foundation), have good cognitive awareness, memory and the ability to follow instructions.

To apply, individuals must submit an Application Form and a Medical Form.

More information about the Special Skills Dogs of Canada program is here: http://www.dogguides.com/programs/programs02.htm

More information about Seizure Response and Alert Dogs:
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions about Seizure Response Dog Guides 
BC Epilepsy Society Information Sheet on Seizure Alert and Response Dogs

The BC Epilepsy Society Spring 2010 newsletter will also feature the article, “Sniffing out the Truth,” by Dr. Adam Kirton, a Pediatric Neurologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

]]>Tue, 09 Mar 10 08:00:00 UTThe Medikidz Explain Epilepsyhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news06081002.aspx

The Medikidz are five young cartoon superheroes who explain medical conditions through comic books and animated videos. This series includes the comic book and video, What’s up with Wendy? Medikidz Explain Epilepsy.

This series was developed by a team of physicians for children 10 to 15 years old. The comic books and videos provide clear and factual information that is easy to understand and engaging.

The series is meant to provide children with knowledge, self management skills, and empower them to take ownership of their epilepsy by reducing fear of the unknown.

Copies of the comic book are available to order from the Medikidz website or for loan from the BC Epilepsy Society Resource Library.

You can watch the Medikidz video about epilepsy here: http://www.epilepsyandmychild.org/medikidz.html

]]>Wed, 21 Apr 10 07:00:00 UTNew iPhone Epilepsy Applicationhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news06181001.aspx

The National Society for Epilepsy (NSE) in the UK has launched a new iPhone application which provides seizure first aid information, including a step by step guide to the recovery position, and basic information about epilepsy.

An iPhone application, or app is what Apple® calls third-party software programs developed specifically for the iPhone and the iPod Touch.

A representative of the NSE explains, “this app, the first of its kind for epilepsy, has been developed after consultation with students and we hope it will have particular appeal to young people.”

The app, called ‘epilepsy guide’ is available to download free of charge from the apple i store at this link: http://linktoapp.com/epilepsy-guide

More information about this initiative is here: http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/Press/Pressreleaselibrary/Phoneappisafirstforepilepsy

]]>Fri, 18 Jun 10 07:00:00 UTDreams Take Flight - Disneyland Trip for Kids With Epilepsyhttp://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news06211001.aspxWe're excited to announce that five children with epilepsy have the opportunity to participate in an all-expenses paid trip to Disneyland. This initiative is courtesy of Dreams Take Flight, a national non-profit organization consisting of Air Canada volunteers. Each year they provide a trip to, “the happiest place on earth,” for children with medical conditions, disabilities, and/or financial needs.

The trip to Disneyland is on Tuesday, October 19th. The BC Epilepsy Society will be holding a draw to select the five children. The deadline to submit an application form for the draw is Monday, August 23rd. 

To attend, the guidelines from Dreams Take Flight stipulate that children must be:
- Between 6-10 years old on October 19th, 2010.
- Have never visited a Disney theme park. 
- Have Canadian citizenship.
- Have a valid Canadian passport or birth certificate.  
- Be medically stable to travel. 

Medical staff, and those experienced in working with children with special needs will be accompanying the group. There is an approximately one-on-one ratio of staff to children. This includes a staff person from the BC Epilepsy Society. Special needs accommodations, medical services, and travel insurance are also provided. 

To enter the draw, please fax or mail the Dreams Take Flight Application Form to the BC Epilepsy Society and call our office to confirm receipt of the form. For more information, please read the Dreams Take Flight Information Letter or contact Elvira Balakshin at 604-875-6704 or outreach@bcepilepsy.com]]>Mon, 21 Jun 10 07:00:00 UTGeneric Drug Costs Drop by 35%http://www.bcepilepsy.com/news_and_events/news07121001.aspx

The price of generic drugs in British Columbia will drop to 35% of the brand price, following an agreement by the Province with the B.C. Pharmacy Association and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores.

“We are lowering generic drug prices and making improvements to our drug system to benefit all British Columbians,” said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. “Quite simply, we were paying too much for some of the most popular drugs for high blood pressure, heartburn, depression, epilepsy and cholesterol. Change was needed if we want to keep drug costs sustainable and redirect the money to cover new drugs and provide better services.”

Currently, generic drug prices in B.C. average about 65% of the brand-name cost. This new agreement, which will be phased in over three years, will see PharmaCare reduce the price it pays to pharmacies for generic drugs to 35%.

The majority of people taking medication for epilepsy in BC, use a generic drug. Therefore, this reduction in cost will be applicable for the majority of people with epilepsy in BC.

However, it is important to note that on July 28, the maximum dispensing fee for pharmacies will increase by 50 cents to $9.10. Fees will go up an additional 50 cents on Oct. 15, 2010 to $9.60, on July 4, 2011 to $10 and on April 2, 2012 to $10.50. These increases are meant to recognize the impact of reduced generic drug prices on pharmacy revenues and to help preserve the ongoing viability of the community pharmacy sector in B.C.

You can read the Ministry of Health Services Press Release and Backgrounder documents here: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2010HSERV0038-000802.pdf  

For more information, contact the BC Pharmacy Association at: 604-261-2092, 1-800-663-2840, or at info@bcpharmacy.ca

]]>Mon, 12 Jul 10 07:00:00 UT