Hundreds of students, doctors and officials took part in the Run for Epilepsy taken out from the Parade Grounds to the VRC Centre here. It was organised by the Indian Epilepsy Association, Nellore Chapter on Sunday.
Most people, suffering from epilepsy, find their conditions deteriorating due to misunderstanding, ignorance, prejudices, myths and societal issues. In 75 per cent cases, it is found that the disease can be totally cured. Modern lifestyle changes, lack of physical exercise and eating habits have been blamed for the common complaints of nervous disorders leading to epilepsy and other diseases.
The organisers conducted the run to enhance awareness on the healthy habits of keeping fit and increasing a person’s immunity from various illnesses that are spreading fast in human society. Epilepsy involves a sudden attack wherein a patient shows bursts of electrical discharges.
The participants in the run raised slogans and held placards to sensitise the public to the most important aspects of cleanliness, hygiene, avoiding junk foods and taking high quantity of potable water.
District Collector N. Srikanth, who flagged off the run, said that the general public could be given a lot of relief provided they were educated about the right approach to finding a cure for any disease. He said that awareness would continue to play a key role in the upkeep of public health for which everybody should come forward and make worthwhile contributions.
Epilepsy Association Nellore chapter president Dr. Bindu Menon, Simhapuri Hospitals chief coordinator Dr. Bhakthavatsala Reddy and others took part in the programme. About 600 students and young persons made the run a success.
The speakers stressed the need for active support that would be required by family members and others in bringing back a patient to normal life. A proper diagnosis of epilepsy would be possible when the witnesses give a correct description of the attack.
