Getting' physical: SPORTS
Thinking about holding back? Forget it! You can participate in all kinds of sports. Take a few precautions - yes - before you start any activity. Your coach, close friends and team mates - tell them about your epilepsy, so they are prepared to help during a seizure.
Each sport has specific safety rules that must be strictly obeyed- for your security. Moderate-and high-risk sports require supervision AT ALL TIMES. You know it sucks, but ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET!
Sports
Low risk
- Jogging
- Aerobics
- Cross-country skiing
- Dancing
- Hiking
- Golf
- Ping-pong
- Bowling
- Field hockey (helmet)
- Most track and field events
- Baseball (helmet)
Moderate risk
- Downhill skiing
- Swimming
- Horseback riding (helmet)
- Bike riding (helmet)
- Basketball
- Canoeing (life vest) not alone
- Ice-skating or hockey (helmet)
- Tennis
- Gymnastics
- Roller-blading (helmet)
High risk
- Mountain or rock climbing
- Bungee jumping
- Skydiving
- Scuba diving
- Caving
- Football moderate
- Boxing moderate
- Hang gliding
- Surfing/windsurfing
- Solo flying
- White water boating/kayaking
Travel tips
- ASK ABOUT VACCINATIONS - How will they affect your epilepsy and the effectiveness of your medication?
- YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU! Carry your prescription, names of contacts and a doctor's letter that explains your type of seizures.
- Find information about the health-care system at your travel destination. ARE YOU COVERED?
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: shop around to find the best deal.
- WEAR a medical bracelet or necklace for epilepsy.
- Keep medication in its original packaging (shows your name, drug name, prescribed dose).
- WATCH OUT for a TIME CHANGE - Take your medication every 12 hours.
- PLAN for rest/nap time.
- Inform your travelling companion about FIRST AID for seizures.
- Avoid TOO MUCH alcohol and TOO LITTLE sleep.
- FIND OUT if your medication is available where you're going.
Light sensitive?
Photosensitivity means you're super-sensitive to natural and artificial light - it can trigger seizures. Only 3 to 5% of people with epilepsy are photosensitive - girls more often than guys. Mostly, it develops in kids and teens between 9 and 15. People usually stop reacting to light in their late 20s or early 30s. If you're photosensitive, be careful in places with flashing lights - night clubs or night driving.
Facts about TV
- Watching TV is the most common photosensitivity trigger for seizures.
- Reduce your risk by watching television in a well-lit room.
- Sit at least 2.5 meters away from the TV (depending on screen size).
- Use a remote control.
- Smaller screens (less than 14") reduce your exposure to light
Did You know?
Computer and video games
- They are not normally a threat for people with epilepsy.
- The risk of seizures depends on the material being displayed.
- The higher the frequency of the display screen, the less risk.
- Do not read from the computer screen for a long time.
- Anti-glare screens do not reduce the risk of seizures.