Know what to do in case of a seizure

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month and I would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness about the condition.

Nearly 3 million Americans have epilepsy, and more than 8,000 people are living with it in the Lehigh Valley alone! Yet, despite its prevalence, many people cannot properly recognize or know what to do when someone is having a seizure.

If you see someone having a convulsive seizure, you should turn them on their side and cushion their head. Do not put anything in their mouth or hold them down. Be sure to time the seizure and call 911 for a firsttime seizure or if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

Most people do not realize a seizure is not always convulsive; there are many different types of seizures. Epilepsy is not contagious and seizures are not dangerous to anyone witnessing one. To learn more about different types of seizures and first aid treatment, go to efepa.org/living-with-epilepsy.

Remember, anyone with a brain can have a seizure! I strongly encourage everyone to get educated by visiting www.efepa.org. The life of someone you know may depend on it! Ellen Baca

The writer is the Lehigh Valley Resource Coordinator, Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania.