What would you do if you were at school and without any warning a student in class falls out shaking or begins talking in confused speech? The student is having a seizure and you are not sure of what is exactly is happening. This is a scenario that happens quite often, some people panic due to their lack of knowledge concerning epilepsy. A Greek doctor, Hippocrates was the first person to understand that epilepsy was caused by an imbalance in the brain (Noebels 3). Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain; the messages between nerve cell coming and leaving the brain sometimes get confused, resulting in odd behavior and seizures (Llewllyn 32). The unawareness of this condition and the stress of high school life often impact a teenager with epilepsy.
Over the years there have been several myths associated with epilepsy. One myth that has spread through out the world is that a person having a seizure can swallow his or her tongue during a seizure. Fact: a person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. If ever in the present of a person having a seizure, that person should never place anything in the patient’s mouth. Another myth is that a person can tell when someone is having a seizure because he or she will fall to the ground and begin to shake. Fact: there are many types of seizures and not all of them involve shaking and falling to the ground. Some people also believe that by restraining the epileptic victim will stop the seizure. Fact: Restraining is not necessary it does not stop the seizure, but it can harm the patient.
Dendy 2
Many people assume that an ambulance should be called in the event of a seizure. Fact: No emergency phone call is needed for most seizures unless a seizure lasts for more than five minutes (epilepsy.org). Epilepsy does not only occur during one’s childhood or infancy, as many believe. Epilepsy can affect infants, children, teens, and adults, at any given time through out their life span (Wyllie)
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, many teens know very little about epilepsy, they view epilepsy as a mental illness or something contagious (Orey 8). Others believe that people with epilepsy are not able to work an ordinary job, or attend regular schools (Orey 12). This lack of knowledge and misinformation often resulted in teens with epilepsy being teased and feeling socially isolated and pressured to keep their seizures a secret (epilepsyfoundation.org). Some concerns for teens with epilepsy are managing their disease and schoolwork (LoBue 8). Teens that have absences or partial seizures sometimes may appear simply attentive or unmotivated in school. “The possibilities that it is a seizure activity that is responsible for their lack of attention can be overlooked, affecting their learning” (LoBue 8). Because of this lack of knowledge this brings many students to failing grades and possibly repeating grades.
The disease of epilepsy affects many people, but is not as common as many other diseases and due to the shame of this disease it is given little attention. Other names have been given to epilepsy such as, convulsions, spells and attacks (Llewellyn 12. It is true that epilepsy comes from the Greek word meaning to seize or to attack (Llewellyn 14. Signs of epilepsy are blackouts, falling down and shaking, confused speech, behavior change, feeling strange, sweating, trembling and daydreaming (Llewellyn 16).
Dendy 3
When these signs go unnoticed a person could have numerous seizures and without a clear cause will have another one, usually within six months (epilepsy/sezire.edu). Epilepsy and seizures are two different things, but they relate to each other. Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by transient but recurrent disturbances of the brain function, which may or may not be associated with impairment or loss of consciousness and abnormal movements or behavior (Dorland 6). A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that usually affects how a person feels or acts for a short time (epilepsy/seizure.edu). There are two categories of seizures. The first category is generalized, which involves the entire brain. The second categories are partial seizures, which affects just one part of the brain. There are three main types, petite, complex and grand mal seizures (Llewellyn 8).
There are several categories of generalized seizures. Primary tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures may cause a person to cry out or gasp, fall down and lose consciousness (epilepsy.org). A persons muscle may jerk, breathing becomes difficult and skin may turn blue or purple. They may also lose control of their bladder or bowels. Drooling can occur as well as the biting of the tongue or lips. Grand Mal seizures can last from thirty seconds to a few minutes (Degan 16). (Absence or petite seizures involve a brief loss of awareness and can occur several times through out the day.) The only sign of this seizure is blinking frequently, daydreaming or the victim’s eyes are rolled back. These signs can happen so quickly that they usually go unnoticed (Degan 26).
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Partial seizures can also be simple partial, were a person may notice an odd taste or smell or feel as though pins and needles are sticking them. A person can feel nauseous or have a stomachache; they may have emotions of fear, sadness, or anger (Degan 9). Complex partial is when a person who appears to be in a daze state, unaware or unresponsive to questioning. They may repeat actions such as chewing, and may last from thirty seconds to three minutes. Afterwards they are confused and drowsy in addition to a severe headache (Degan 15).
One of the main issues is to inform people of this brain disorder that is affecting many people through out the United States. This disease not only affects the individual with epilepsy, it also affects their family and friends. In order to make it through the rough stages of epilepsy, a strong support team is very important for the individual. Epilepsy not only affects humans, it also can affect animals too. The youth today is the main group that epilepsy is affecting in the United States. In 2006, three million people had epilepsy, and one in every child in the United States has epilepsy (Epilepsy Foundation.org). Today all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds are living with epilepsy.
Teens should know that they are not the only ones affected by this disease; some famous people in history had epilepsy. Great people like Harriet Tubman, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Charles Dickson and so many more (Noebels 5). These famous people are proof that epilepsy does not have to stop anyone from living a great life, or reaching his or her dreams. Although a person has epilepsy it is possible to live a normal life as long as they adapt to certain limitations. A
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Teen can participate in activities like sports, dancing or even swimming as long as they limit their time and always wear a helmet to prevent accidents. Teens should always bring a friend along who is aware of what to do in case of an emergency. Freedom is possible for a teen, but safety should always be apart of that freedom.
The average teen’s life consists of driving, dating, high school, and having a job. Teens with epilepsy find that everyday issues like exercise, dating, employment, insurance and driving are limited, or not apart of their life at all (epilepsy Foundation.org). In teens, epilepsy can aggravate or create problems of low self-esteem, dependency, mood or behavioral difficulties (Reiter). Depression is a bigger problem among teenagers with epilepsy than previously thought (William R. Turk 7). Even if the epilepsy is well controlled epilepsy can torment a teen, arousing fear of isolation, ridicule and possible humiliation. Restrictions on activities further separate them from other teens (Orey 14). Typical feelings of these teens are feeling embarrassed by their condition, or terrified of having a seizure in public. The side affects of the medications such as hair loss, weight gain, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue and rashes, etc. In addition teens with epilepsy have to be careful when taking over the counter drugs, some drugs can prevent their medication from working (Reiter10).
High school can be a wonderful experience for a teen with epilepsy as long as certain guidelines are set into place as soon as school begins. The parent should inform the school nurse of the type of seizure the teen has, and what medications the teen is on. Each teacher should be aware of the teen’s symptoms before a seizure and what to do afterwards. There are special programs in place for the teen to protect them when they
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miss school or has a seizure at school and can no longer comprehend what is going on in the class and around them. It is the teen’s responsibility to ask for any missed work or for any tests that might have been missed. The teen with epilepsy usually has one to two weeks to get everything made up, depending on their IEP. An IEP is a special plan that is specially designed for a student with special conditions or a sickness. This plan and following special guidelines will bring more awareness to epilepsy. There are some colleges that have special programs to monitor students with special needs. Some foundations even offer scholarships to attend college for the teen with epilepsy (epilepsyfoundation.org).
“Seizures occur in school and classrooms the United States everyday,” although many do not realize it because teens with epilepsy in high school are ashamed (Epilepsyfoundation.org). According to Henderson in an interview, when I asked, “Did you have any trouble dealing with your condition and school?” She answered, “yes, I could not go on field trips, teachers bugging you and giving you unwanted attention to my illness.” This is one of the many students who remain silent about their condition, just to fit in and not stand out from other teens. By keeping quiet about his or her situation when the student with epilepsy has an attack, no one knows what to do due to a lack of knowledge of the problem. Also by keeping quiet about their sickness, the teen can enjoy the same privileges as other teens at school, things such as football, basketball, and the marching band. Some epileptic students feel that by hiding their illness will make their experience in high school easier.
At the age of twelve I developed epilepsy without any warning. For a while
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I was missed diagnosed because the seizures were fast and hard to capture in front of the doctors. By the time I reached high school my seizures had goon from Petite seizures to Complex seizures. My freshman year was my worst year of school; I had so many seizures that were brought on by the stress of school. Once I had my first seizure in class my peers looked and treated me differently. And just when I thought things could not get any worse, my teachers announced my sickness out loud, causing me more shame and embarrassment. This outburst caused me to feel like a freak and that I did not belong or fit in. One of my worst experiences at school was when I had a substitute teacher and she was not warned about my condition, not only did she not know what to do; she also accused me of faking my situation. Due to medications and many days of missed school, my grades went from an “A” to an “F”. Being a teen with epilepsy has so many hardships such as not driving unless you are seizure free for one year. For this reason many teens do not report their seizures so that they are able to drive like their peers.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder and can control a great deal of a teen’s life. Seizures are often unpredictable and dangerous which requires someone to be around the epileptic at all times. The world is familiar with cancer, diabetes, asthma and so many more diseases, but they know little about epilepsy. Teens with epilepsy can live a normal life and accomplish their goals if people are made aware of their struggle through high school, without embarrassing them. I have come to terms with my condition and I am taking back control of my life. With plenty of rest, the right medication, a good support team and a positive outlook on life, I can do anything that I set my mind to do. I plan to be the voice for teens in high school with epilepsy.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Pilates
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience that Pilates is a type of exercise that is less harsh on bones, joints, and helps with flexibilities.
Central Idea: Pilates are an alternate exercise, that can be done by anyone, and good for the body.
Are you tired of feeling terrible after working out, and overheated, or feeling embarrasses in an aerobics class because you cannot keep up or have to take more breaks. Some even push exercising aside because how hard it can be and how terrible you feel afterwards.
Some say it’s hard to find the right exercise for them, it’s either to extreme and harsh on the body. It is not challenging enough for them, or there looking for more than just losing weight but to better their body physically and mentally. Through Pilates this and so much more can be done.
I. The history of Pilates
A. Pilates is a type of exercise that connects your mind and body.
1. In the early 20th century, Joseph Pilates developed a physical fitness system that he called Pilates.
2. Joseph Pilates began taking springs and attaching the to hospital beds to make the patients work out through resistance.
B. Pilates has proven to be a successful way to better the body.
1. When influenza broke out in England during 1918, his patients survived even though many others died.
2. The Pilates exercise became popular in the dance community, especially in the dance technique of modern dance.
(Connective: Even though within the last decade Pilates has become such a popular way to exercise, it has always showed and proven to have good benefits.
II. Benefits of doing Pilates
A. “The mind, when housed within a healthy body, possesses a glorious sense of power.” Stated by Joseph Pilates in a letter to his clients in 1939.
1. According to pilates.com, some of the benefits of doing Pilates are gaining flexibility, toning your inner core (abdominals), flattening the abs, and gaining a strong back.
2. The way Pilates help one to flatten the abs is through the inner core, by making the muscle strong.
B. Galliano says. "When you start getting control of your body, it gives you a great degree of satisfaction."
1. Flexibility is a great benefit from Pilates, it helps in body control. Or as Pilates calls it, Controlology.
2. Pilates stretches such as: the wall roll down, spine stretch, saw, swan, mermaid, and hip stretch are some of the many that helps gain flexibility.
(Connective: Pilates has and a great movement from starting as rehabilitation program for veterans, and now used by celebrities, dancer, athletes and many more.
III. Pilates can be practiced by anyone.
A. From any age ranging from a teenager, to the elderly, it can be practiced.
1. This type of physical exercise is different among others, it’s not harsh on the body, but it still is a challenge because of the restraint and movements involved.
2. Pilates has proven that no matter what age, size or even condition you’re in, you can practice the movements, use the equipment and see dramatic results from practicing them.
B. Pilates are safe and can improve different issues your body may be suffering from.
1. According to the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2006; 36 [7], 472-84) Pilates are effective for lower back pain. After just 4-weeks of those using Pilates felt relief from the symptoms of their lower back pains.
2. When it comes to those that are obese, the problem was making one feel comfortable and making the environment safe for them. Sandra Rapke, California states: “I work with them on equipment that does not require getting up and down into low positions: Cadillac, chair, standing exercises, large ball (if they aren’t too obese).”
(Internal Summary: Pilates has evolved over the years, even though it was created over a century ago, Joseph Pilates work has stood the test of time. (According to Balanced Body University,) over 10 million people are now practicing Pilates in the United States today, and the number is still growing. Pilates found away to connect the mind and body, through control to make one feel and look good.)
Conclusion
Again I ask do you want to stop feeling terrible after working out. overheated or feeling embarrasses in an aerobics class for not being able to keep up. Do you want a challenge without it being too harsh on your body? Want to be able to feel good before and after working out? Then try Pilates, it helps all these problems and much more.
Bibliography
Pilates, Joseph (1945 – Re-released 1998). Pilates’ Return to Life through Contrology. Incline Village: Presentation dynamics
Pilates Method Alliance Position Paper "On Pilates"
O'Connor Thea (2009, October 08), Core Promises, Sydney Morning Herald, p. Health & Science Section
www.pilates.com
Central Idea: Pilates are an alternate exercise, that can be done by anyone, and good for the body.
Are you tired of feeling terrible after working out, and overheated, or feeling embarrasses in an aerobics class because you cannot keep up or have to take more breaks. Some even push exercising aside because how hard it can be and how terrible you feel afterwards.
Some say it’s hard to find the right exercise for them, it’s either to extreme and harsh on the body. It is not challenging enough for them, or there looking for more than just losing weight but to better their body physically and mentally. Through Pilates this and so much more can be done.
I. The history of Pilates
A. Pilates is a type of exercise that connects your mind and body.
1. In the early 20th century, Joseph Pilates developed a physical fitness system that he called Pilates.
2. Joseph Pilates began taking springs and attaching the to hospital beds to make the patients work out through resistance.
B. Pilates has proven to be a successful way to better the body.
1. When influenza broke out in England during 1918, his patients survived even though many others died.
2. The Pilates exercise became popular in the dance community, especially in the dance technique of modern dance.
(Connective: Even though within the last decade Pilates has become such a popular way to exercise, it has always showed and proven to have good benefits.
II. Benefits of doing Pilates
A. “The mind, when housed within a healthy body, possesses a glorious sense of power.” Stated by Joseph Pilates in a letter to his clients in 1939.
1. According to pilates.com, some of the benefits of doing Pilates are gaining flexibility, toning your inner core (abdominals), flattening the abs, and gaining a strong back.
2. The way Pilates help one to flatten the abs is through the inner core, by making the muscle strong.
B. Galliano says. "When you start getting control of your body, it gives you a great degree of satisfaction."
1. Flexibility is a great benefit from Pilates, it helps in body control. Or as Pilates calls it, Controlology.
2. Pilates stretches such as: the wall roll down, spine stretch, saw, swan, mermaid, and hip stretch are some of the many that helps gain flexibility.
(Connective: Pilates has and a great movement from starting as rehabilitation program for veterans, and now used by celebrities, dancer, athletes and many more.
III. Pilates can be practiced by anyone.
A. From any age ranging from a teenager, to the elderly, it can be practiced.
1. This type of physical exercise is different among others, it’s not harsh on the body, but it still is a challenge because of the restraint and movements involved.
2. Pilates has proven that no matter what age, size or even condition you’re in, you can practice the movements, use the equipment and see dramatic results from practicing them.
B. Pilates are safe and can improve different issues your body may be suffering from.
1. According to the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2006; 36 [7], 472-84) Pilates are effective for lower back pain. After just 4-weeks of those using Pilates felt relief from the symptoms of their lower back pains.
2. When it comes to those that are obese, the problem was making one feel comfortable and making the environment safe for them. Sandra Rapke, California states: “I work with them on equipment that does not require getting up and down into low positions: Cadillac, chair, standing exercises, large ball (if they aren’t too obese).”
(Internal Summary: Pilates has evolved over the years, even though it was created over a century ago, Joseph Pilates work has stood the test of time. (According to Balanced Body University,) over 10 million people are now practicing Pilates in the United States today, and the number is still growing. Pilates found away to connect the mind and body, through control to make one feel and look good.)
Conclusion
Again I ask do you want to stop feeling terrible after working out. overheated or feeling embarrasses in an aerobics class for not being able to keep up. Do you want a challenge without it being too harsh on your body? Want to be able to feel good before and after working out? Then try Pilates, it helps all these problems and much more.
Bibliography
Pilates, Joseph (1945 – Re-released 1998). Pilates’ Return to Life through Contrology. Incline Village: Presentation dynamics
Pilates Method Alliance Position Paper "On Pilates"
O'Connor Thea (2009, October 08), Core Promises, Sydney Morning Herald, p. Health & Science Section
www.pilates.com
Eating In vs. Eating Out
Eating In vs. Eating Out
Introduction
I. In today’s society with juggling a job, or school or just everyday activities one relies heavily on take- out, fast food and restaurants. But which is healthier and which is cheaper for you?
II. Obesity, diabetes and so many more illnesses are on the rise in America due to poor diets and the amount or servings one eats. Americans calorie intake is no longer balanced from the amount you consume and the amount one burns. Today 58 million are overweight, 3 million are morbidly obese, and 80% of type II diabetes is related to obesity.
III. In this speech I will discuss the importance of eating in and easy cheap recipes to follow, how eating out is unhealthy and more expensive, and last but not least, obesity, type II diabetes and other illnesses can be prevented by eating in.
Transition: Being unhealthy, spending more money in the recession, being obese and having type II diabetes can all be prevented by just choosing to eat in instead of eating out.
Body
I. Eating In is cheaper than Eating Out
A. According to Nola.com, one should take these few steps to save money, one plan meals around specials, write your grocery list out before you go to the store and stick to it, and buy items like: a whole chicken, beans, onions, rice, etc. Just by buying vegetables, and a whole chicken and cutting it up yourself a family of four can save $120 a month and $1,440 a year. When one compares feeding a family of four eating out with an entrée and drink for each person to making a meal at home its cheaper and a chance of having left over so you get more for your money.
II. Eating Out is unhealthy
A. From restaurants cooking with unhealthy oil and grease, to not using the freshest ingredients and just the way they prepare food has made eating out a nightmare for one’s health. From offering as many rolls and butter as one likes, salads with crotons, fried meats, cheese, fatty dressings. Veggies soaked in butter, soft drinks and then adding a desert. So one meal in a resturante for dinner can actually be the number of calories one should eat in a day not in one meal.
III. Preventing obesity and type II diabetes by eating in.
A. By not eating out one can control the calories intake, the amount per serving, how the food is prepared and the ingredients used to prepare it, from the oil, seasonings, and dressings. Each meal should contain protein rich foods, a fresh vegetable and can still include a starch and bread like rye or wheat or some kind of grain. Just because one eats in does not mean you have to punish yourself.
Transition: In all Eating In is the better choice from saving and focusing on our health. Eating Out is fine as an occasional event, once a week or for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or some holidays.
Conclusion:
I. By learning more and more about healthy eating, and saving money by Eating In, now is the time to take advantage of this information and make it a new lifestyle, by cooking your own meals, planning meals around sales and ones schedule and caring about your health.
II. So the next time Eating Out comes to mind, think about how many times you have eaten out that week or even that day. One could use cooking home cooked meals as an activity to do with roommates, family or just to feel better about what one eats.
Introduction
I. In today’s society with juggling a job, or school or just everyday activities one relies heavily on take- out, fast food and restaurants. But which is healthier and which is cheaper for you?
II. Obesity, diabetes and so many more illnesses are on the rise in America due to poor diets and the amount or servings one eats. Americans calorie intake is no longer balanced from the amount you consume and the amount one burns. Today 58 million are overweight, 3 million are morbidly obese, and 80% of type II diabetes is related to obesity.
III. In this speech I will discuss the importance of eating in and easy cheap recipes to follow, how eating out is unhealthy and more expensive, and last but not least, obesity, type II diabetes and other illnesses can be prevented by eating in.
Transition: Being unhealthy, spending more money in the recession, being obese and having type II diabetes can all be prevented by just choosing to eat in instead of eating out.
Body
I. Eating In is cheaper than Eating Out
A. According to Nola.com, one should take these few steps to save money, one plan meals around specials, write your grocery list out before you go to the store and stick to it, and buy items like: a whole chicken, beans, onions, rice, etc. Just by buying vegetables, and a whole chicken and cutting it up yourself a family of four can save $120 a month and $1,440 a year. When one compares feeding a family of four eating out with an entrée and drink for each person to making a meal at home its cheaper and a chance of having left over so you get more for your money.
II. Eating Out is unhealthy
A. From restaurants cooking with unhealthy oil and grease, to not using the freshest ingredients and just the way they prepare food has made eating out a nightmare for one’s health. From offering as many rolls and butter as one likes, salads with crotons, fried meats, cheese, fatty dressings. Veggies soaked in butter, soft drinks and then adding a desert. So one meal in a resturante for dinner can actually be the number of calories one should eat in a day not in one meal.
III. Preventing obesity and type II diabetes by eating in.
A. By not eating out one can control the calories intake, the amount per serving, how the food is prepared and the ingredients used to prepare it, from the oil, seasonings, and dressings. Each meal should contain protein rich foods, a fresh vegetable and can still include a starch and bread like rye or wheat or some kind of grain. Just because one eats in does not mean you have to punish yourself.
Transition: In all Eating In is the better choice from saving and focusing on our health. Eating Out is fine as an occasional event, once a week or for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or some holidays.
Conclusion:
I. By learning more and more about healthy eating, and saving money by Eating In, now is the time to take advantage of this information and make it a new lifestyle, by cooking your own meals, planning meals around sales and ones schedule and caring about your health.
II. So the next time Eating Out comes to mind, think about how many times you have eaten out that week or even that day. One could use cooking home cooked meals as an activity to do with roommates, family or just to feel better about what one eats.
Understand Me, Don't Pity Me
Unique not Different
In today’s society we are surrounded with many types of people. And some teens are unique, but not in the way that an average person may think, they have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a brain disorder where a person suffers from seizure. And there is not just one type. The type everyone is familiar with is the shaking and falling on the floor. But my seizure is the complete opposite, some even go unnoticed. For example I talk in confused speech, I walk without knowing where I am going, and I stare off into space and every time I have a seizure I do not remember and I sleep anywhere from 4 to 6 hours straight.
Frustrating Beginnings
As a teenager this becomes so frustrating, especially when you feel alone and like no one understands you, especially your parents, friends, siblings or others you care about and care for you. So what do you do? How do you handle this? And how can one get their attention and support without them handicapping you or showing pity towards you?
As I suffered through my teenage years and into young adult hood I felt like no one understood me and I made it clear that unless one has suffered from this disorder than you cannot tell me you understand. As a teen you hate that. So many teens in that suffers from epilepsy also hates the title everyone wants to give us or calls us, an "Epileptic," I hated that word I felt like it was a label placed on me that I could not remove once someone would find out I had epilepsy.
The rebellious Stage
I talk from personal experiences I had and I hope anyone that suffers with epilepsy can receive something and offer any help they can to other that has this unique issue. Some of the things I rebelled against was taking my medicine. I would forget and not really take my doctors advice. For instance they would say make an alarm in your phone to remind you to take your medicine or use a labeled medicine tray (labeled Monday through Friday.) But I rebelled because when everyone got on me about it I just wanted them to leave me alone and not treat me as a child by making me take it in front of them. Plus at the time I felt like the medicine tray were for the elderly. So that was a challenge on me and my parents.
No control, No license
Next was the fact that I was not allowed to drive, at all. That was the law so I had no choice but to abide by that rule. I had two bad experiences trying to speak to drive. The first was my freshman year in high school I signed up for drivers Ed with all my friends, even though I knew I was not aloud, I wanted to fit in. But before I could attend the first day of the class I was called to the office and kicked out my account was flagged and stated I had epilepsy. The second time was when I went to college because I was in another city I figured I could go to the DMV and no one could stop me. But boy was I wrong, they found out I was not allowed to drive and let me go with a warning, so I learned my lesson quick and just realized I could not drive until I went a whole year without a seizure. I became depressed about it; my younger sister received her license and received a car. And I just hated it, especially when my parents could not understand why I did not want to ride around with her; they just did not get it.
I'm a Teenager, Not a Child
One thing that I felt for so long was the fact that I felt I did not understand and that I was always treated as a child no matter how old I got. For example, my mom always wanted to come to my class on the first day of school to make my teachers aware of my illness, and then she wanted me to stop riding the bus even though she was there at the bus stop when I got on and got off. I was embarrassed I was the only student whose parent did that. I remember when I received my cell phone only for her to constantly check on me. I could not always hang out with my friends because my mom did not trust I could be by myself long or around those who did not know what to do if I had a seizure. I had an early bedtime because sleep was a key to cutting back on seizures. Although I felt like I was being punished, it was years later that I realized she did all this because she cared and wanted me to be safe. And that’s it the key knowing it not that our parents our just going out there way to make it harder for us, but we just have to realize there trying to do what is best for us, it may just not be in the way we want them to.
The keys to understanding one another
Always be honest about your feeling, never hold things in.
Parents and teens must realize they must communicate with one another to understand where there coming from
Realize the doctor’s advice is the best advice they are there to help you control the seizures or stop them.
Try not to stress or worry about having a seizure, try to not always think about it, push it to the back of your mind.
Try not to get frustrated, it’s ok to have or ask for help, look at it as your support team.
Realize some people, family members, teachers, and close friends have to know your "unique" so they know what to do in the event of a seizure.
Also remember you not the only one, so try to find others with this problem and not be ashamed but tell your stories so that it can inspire others with epilepsy.
And last but not least you are not an "Epileptic," but "Unique."
So now comment and tell your story.
Angeldee
In today’s society we are surrounded with many types of people. And some teens are unique, but not in the way that an average person may think, they have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a brain disorder where a person suffers from seizure. And there is not just one type. The type everyone is familiar with is the shaking and falling on the floor. But my seizure is the complete opposite, some even go unnoticed. For example I talk in confused speech, I walk without knowing where I am going, and I stare off into space and every time I have a seizure I do not remember and I sleep anywhere from 4 to 6 hours straight.
Frustrating Beginnings
As a teenager this becomes so frustrating, especially when you feel alone and like no one understands you, especially your parents, friends, siblings or others you care about and care for you. So what do you do? How do you handle this? And how can one get their attention and support without them handicapping you or showing pity towards you?
As I suffered through my teenage years and into young adult hood I felt like no one understood me and I made it clear that unless one has suffered from this disorder than you cannot tell me you understand. As a teen you hate that. So many teens in that suffers from epilepsy also hates the title everyone wants to give us or calls us, an "Epileptic," I hated that word I felt like it was a label placed on me that I could not remove once someone would find out I had epilepsy.
The rebellious Stage
I talk from personal experiences I had and I hope anyone that suffers with epilepsy can receive something and offer any help they can to other that has this unique issue. Some of the things I rebelled against was taking my medicine. I would forget and not really take my doctors advice. For instance they would say make an alarm in your phone to remind you to take your medicine or use a labeled medicine tray (labeled Monday through Friday.) But I rebelled because when everyone got on me about it I just wanted them to leave me alone and not treat me as a child by making me take it in front of them. Plus at the time I felt like the medicine tray were for the elderly. So that was a challenge on me and my parents.
No control, No license
Next was the fact that I was not allowed to drive, at all. That was the law so I had no choice but to abide by that rule. I had two bad experiences trying to speak to drive. The first was my freshman year in high school I signed up for drivers Ed with all my friends, even though I knew I was not aloud, I wanted to fit in. But before I could attend the first day of the class I was called to the office and kicked out my account was flagged and stated I had epilepsy. The second time was when I went to college because I was in another city I figured I could go to the DMV and no one could stop me. But boy was I wrong, they found out I was not allowed to drive and let me go with a warning, so I learned my lesson quick and just realized I could not drive until I went a whole year without a seizure. I became depressed about it; my younger sister received her license and received a car. And I just hated it, especially when my parents could not understand why I did not want to ride around with her; they just did not get it.
I'm a Teenager, Not a Child
One thing that I felt for so long was the fact that I felt I did not understand and that I was always treated as a child no matter how old I got. For example, my mom always wanted to come to my class on the first day of school to make my teachers aware of my illness, and then she wanted me to stop riding the bus even though she was there at the bus stop when I got on and got off. I was embarrassed I was the only student whose parent did that. I remember when I received my cell phone only for her to constantly check on me. I could not always hang out with my friends because my mom did not trust I could be by myself long or around those who did not know what to do if I had a seizure. I had an early bedtime because sleep was a key to cutting back on seizures. Although I felt like I was being punished, it was years later that I realized she did all this because she cared and wanted me to be safe. And that’s it the key knowing it not that our parents our just going out there way to make it harder for us, but we just have to realize there trying to do what is best for us, it may just not be in the way we want them to.
The keys to understanding one another
Always be honest about your feeling, never hold things in.
Parents and teens must realize they must communicate with one another to understand where there coming from
Realize the doctor’s advice is the best advice they are there to help you control the seizures or stop them.
Try not to stress or worry about having a seizure, try to not always think about it, push it to the back of your mind.
Try not to get frustrated, it’s ok to have or ask for help, look at it as your support team.
Realize some people, family members, teachers, and close friends have to know your "unique" so they know what to do in the event of a seizure.
Also remember you not the only one, so try to find others with this problem and not be ashamed but tell your stories so that it can inspire others with epilepsy.
And last but not least you are not an "Epileptic," but "Unique."
So now comment and tell your story.
Angeldee
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