November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. This year, it’s 4th Annual Epilepsy Awareness Day (EAD)This was the largest meeting of epilepsy patients worldwide. The 2-day event was held at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (California), and featured over 90 exhibitors, 24 seminars by physician/specialists, a Rick Springfield benefit concert, as well as a day at Disneyland for families.
Epilepsy, a brain disorder characterized by convulsions or recurring seizures, affects more than 2 million Americans. It often begins in children. Epilepsy is thought to be a common condition in autism spectrum disorder. The National Institute of Health’s 2017 budget for research is $145 million, despite the fact that it affects such a wide range of people.
EAD is an annual event organized by Sofie’s Journey/EAD in Irvine. It has been around for five years and attracts people from all over the world. “We wanted to create an opportunity to drive epilepsy awareness, with awareness the key to overcoming challenges created by epilepsy,”Candy Levy, co-founder of Sofie’s Adventure/EAD. “At our event we bring together patients, physicians, advocates, non-profits, services, and this year we had a large section of the convention facility for people to meet their possible and future service dogs.”
Sofie’s Journey began when Sofie Levy was 5 years old and had her first seizure. After many years of searching for treatments, the Levy family was finally able to offer Sofie brain surgery. Sofie is now in 11thgrade and is seizure-free since age 8. Sofie’s parents Candy Levy and Brad Levy founded Epilepsy Awareness day, which was held November 7, 2013. It was a way to bring epilepsy awareness to Sofie and others.
“The Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland has become a unique opportunity for patients with epilepsy and their caregivers to interface with non-profit and other groups to openly communicate about their needs and available services,”Dr. Gary Mathern is a neurosurgeon. “This is a model meeting that should serve as an example for others around the world.”
There are many other conventions around the globe, including the American Epilepsy society convention which is held in December. EAD is different because it is not a traditional medical or business convention. It is all about patients and their families. “We have learned so much, met many people with similar things like us, but most importantly we learned that we are not alone in this fight with epilepsy. Awareness is spreading like wild, it’s the best,”Mandy G., Kansas “We have been so lucky to work with the UCLA pediatric epilepsy department to help our son, we travel to the west coast every few months for treatment.”
With a new focus, preparations are already underway for 2017. “The good we are doing is an incredible feeling that goes beyond description, says Brad Levy, Co-Founder. “We will be launching a full-time Epilepsy Awareness Campaign, with a three day physical event as the main focus. This year’s plan is to have a new site, multi-platform social presence and video campaigns. We also intend to work more closely with the hospitals and medical advisory board. Now, our mission is a year-long campaign to raise awareness about epilepsy.”
For more information, visit www.epilepsyawarenessday.org
Life today is fast. With the rise of digital technology, people can talk on the phone and check their children’s soccer scores while simultaneously sending work emails. The Internet age has given consumers the ability to expect the same conveniences from all businesses and services, except their insurance companies. Although 98 percent of health insurance claims are processed within 30 days, for many people who struggle to pay their medical bills, that can seem like a long time.
With nearly two-thirds American households making less money than 2002, simply being insured is not sufficient. It’s important to know how quickly and easily your insurance carrier processes and pays claims. This is crucial for both financial and physical recovery.
A recent survey found that 66% of workers wouldn’t be able adjust to the high financial costs associated with serious injuries or illnesses. Only 49% have more than $1,000 to cover out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, rising health care costs are forcing employers to implement cost-saving measures which are placing even greater financial pressure on employees.
* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.
* Increasing employees’ share of premium.
* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.
Many people may have to wait up to a month before they receive their insurance payments. With better technology and a better understanding of the needs of consumers today, many insurance companies work hard to offer customers fast service. This is an example AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.
Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It’s a necessity. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.
Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.
