By preparing for your appointment, you can get all your questions and concerns answered. This is especially important when working with your doctor to get a diagnosis or develop a seizure treatment plan. Every doctor’s visit should include: Identification and insurance card: They’re essential for getting checked in quickly and ensuring your doctor’s visit is covered without a hitch. Family member or friend: Sometimes this can be helpful. Your friend is a second pair of ears and can take notes if needed. Snack: Bringing a snack is important. It helps prevent low blood sugar, especially if your ..read more

Books have always been a part of my life. Whether exploring another world or improving my health and wellbeing. As a result of my epilepsy diagnosis, I became motivated to learn more about both my own illness and that of others so I could support them. Here, I’m diving into a topic close to my heart: Books written by people who understand the ups and downs of living with epilepsy. Join me as I share my top picks, offering insights and personal reflections along the way. In our shared experiences, storytelling has the power to educate, inspire, and bind us together. Seize The Day – Abby Gustus ..read more

Living with epilepsy has its challenges, but one thing that’s helped me feel connected and informed is tuning into podcasts. Whether I’m looking for tips on managing seizures or simply seeking inspiration from others in the epilepsy community, podcasts have become a go-to resource for me. So, if you’re like me and enjoy a good podcast every now and then, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled a list of the top 4 epilepsy podcasts that have kept me engaged, informed, and sometimes even entertained. Let’s dive in and discover some great listens together! Seizing Life Seizing Life, a CURE Epilepsy podcast ..read more

Little things you do every day can have a big impact on your epilepsy. If you currently live with epilepsy, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help you manage your condition and potentially prevent seizures.  Most of the suggestions are not drastic. They’re simple modifications or additions to your routine that can not only help you better manage your condition, but also improve your health overall. Here are six healthy habits to adopt to help you manage epilepsy:   Manage Stress Stress management is important for managing seizures and your health overall.  Here are some s ..read more

Living with epilepsy for 15 years has taught me valuable lessons about embracing productivity while managing this condition. Here are some personalized insights to help you have a fulfilling and productive day:  Mindful Mornings: Start your day with mindful exercises. Gentle stretches, deep breathing, or writing a gratitude list can set a positive tone and reduce stress, laying the foundation for a positive day. Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial. Establish a consistent sleep routine to ensure you are well-rested. This can significantly impact seizure management and your overall w ..read more

As we wrap up another incredible year on Rise Above Epilepsy, let’s highlight the top 5 articles that resonated with you, my faithful readers! The Ultimate Gift Guide – Gift Ideas For Someone With Epilepsy This is a giant list of thoughtful and practical gifts to give to those living with epilepsy. 15 Uplifting Epilepsy Quotes To Get You Through Tough Days Encouraging quotes are a great gift to share with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. This is a list containing some top encouraging quotes. 5 Things To Remember When Being A Spouse With Epilepsy Discover essential insights and reminders fo ..read more

Headaches…are a headache! They’re painful, terrible for your quality of life, and awful for productivity. Following a seizure, I experience terrible headaches known as postictal headaches. A postictal headache is a headache that occurs after seizure activity. These usually last between about 6 and 24 hours, or sometimes even longer. OTC (over-the-counter) medications for headache pain relief barely help with easing the throbbing pain and I need to find another way. In my research for all-natural pain relief, I discovered “ReLeafpack”. What is ReLeafPack: A weighted cold pack designed to reliev ..read more

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects approximately 3.4 million people nationwide and 65 million people worldwide. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures that can vary in severity, type and cause. While there is no cure for epilepsy, there are treatments available to help manage the condition. Epilepsy Awareness Month is an annual event that takes place in November. The goal of this event aims to educate the public about epilepsy and seizures, and to raise funds for research. There are many ways to get involved during Epilepsy Awareness Month! Here are seven ways you can g ..read more

Making new friends as an adult can sometimes be challenging. Especially when a chronic illness like epilepsy is thrown into the mix. It’s not so easy to make friends or even keep friendships strong when you can’t always leave the house or have to cancel plans. So how do you make new friends, meet other like-minded people and socialize if you are unable to get out as much? Making friends while living with epilepsy may seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible. Below, I’ll share some practical tips on building meaningful connections, regardless of your epilepsy diagnosis. Open an Honest Communic ..read more

Sleep deprivation is a common seizure trigger for those living with epilepsy. Getting good sleep has the potential to reduce or even prevent seizure activity. According to the National Institute of Health, experts recommend that adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. The risks of not getting good sleep: Sleep deprivation can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to an increase in abnormal electrical activity that can trigger seizures. Tips to get good sleep: Turn off the TV and electronics: These devices produce blue light which is the part of the light spectrum most active ..read more