HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month
DC
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, Epilepsy, also known as Seizure Disorder, has afflicted mankind since the dawn
of our species and has been recognized since the earliest medical writings, and as long as 400 B.C.
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, repudiated ancient beliefs that Epilepsy was a visitation from
the Gods and sacred or that it was a curse from the Gods that people afflicted with this disorder
held prophetic powers. Hippocrates believed that Epilepsy was a brain disorder. and
WHEREAS, a seizure is a sudden. brief attack of altered consciousness. motor activity or
sensory phenomena. It is a sign that certain brain cells (neurons) are discharging an excessive
amount of electrical impulses. Epilepsy can be caused by injury to the brain. lack of oxygen at birth,
brain tumor, infection and brain hemorrhage. In sixty percent of the cases. the cause is unknown,
and Epilepsy can affect anyone. at any age and at any time, and more than two million Americans
are afflicted with some type of Epilepsy. Of this number. 150,000 are Florida residents; and with
the administration of anticonvulsant drugs. two thirds (66.66%) of those afflicted with Epilepsy are
drug controlled, and
WHEREAS, lack of education about this disorder has contributed to age old myths.
superstitions and prejudices. and the stigma associated with this disorder is sometimes worse than
the disorder itself, and
WHEREAS. people who have Epilepsy make reliable and conscientious workers in job
performance. productivity, safety, cooperation and attendance. and studies carried out in the
UNITED STATES over the past thirty years have indicated that of all disabilities. Epilepsy poses the
greatest barrier to employment with unemployment rates estimated to fall between twenty and
twenty-five percent;
WHEREAS, Epilepsy should not be a barrier to success. In addition to the normal
requirements for success, a person who has Epilepsy needs a supportive environment and employers
who are willing to give them an opportunity to become productive citizens.
THEREFORE. by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Winter
Springs, we recognize November as:
NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH
Robert S. Miller
Deputy Mayor
Michael S. Blake
Commissioner
Donald A. Gilmore
Commissioner
Sally McGinnis
Commissioner
David W. McLeod
Commissioner