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:
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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.
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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.
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For The Adore Of Color
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.
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Educate Yourself On Epilepsy
There is still much to learn about this complicated brain illness, particularly how it affects people’s daily lives.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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