5 items you need in your life this year

Copious amounts of party food have been consumed, party games have been played, the Christmas chocolates are a thing of the past and we are all ker-plunked out! Christmas is over and the New Year is now in full swing. The gyms are packed, Morrisons is running out of Muller light yoghurts and you can’t walk ten paces down the street without seeing someone in active wear. It is the time of the year where people purchase the New Year staples, gym memberships, memberships to slimming groups and all food items with a fat free label. While all of these staples are useful, none of them are particularly beneficial to epilepsy. So, in the spirit of being on top of the epilepsy this year, here is my list of 5 items you need in your life this year if you have epilepsy.  

1) A cup with a lid: 

This is a pretty basic one. These cups were all the rage during the summer and you can get them in many different colours and styles. Not only are they cute but they are also super practical. Seziures cause twitches, falling to the floor, lack of concentration and numerous other complaints that are detrimental to your cups and glasses. If you use a plastic tumbler with a lid you don’t have to worry about smashing anything, spilling anything or the amount of money you are spending replacing all the cups and glasses you have smashed.  

2) Seizure Diary App  

Tracking your seizures is actually one of the most important things you can do to help you manage your epilepsy. Having a record of your seizures, including information such as times, dates, weather, if you are hungry or not etc can all help identify patterns and triggers in your seizures. You can then work on eliminating these triggers, lowering your seizure count. I currently use the free app by Epilepsy Foundation called “my seizure diary”. It’s really good, easy to use and FREE. 

3) A kettle you don’t have to pour  

Now I know this may sound a little extra and a little lazy but I can’t count the amount of times I have twitched and poured boiling water on my hand and I once burnt my feet dropping the kettle when I suddenly had a seizure. Who knew making a brew could be so dangerous! I now have a Breville hot cup kettle that boils the water and deposits it into the cup for you. Just remember to put your cup underneath before you boil the water or things are going to get messy.  

4) Medical alert band  

I have talked about these numerous times in different blogs but I can’t stress enough how important these are! Wearing one of these allows others to help you more effectively should a seizure occur when you are out and about. You can get so many different styles now that there is no excuse not to wear one. I got mine from The ID Band Company. I have the silicone band, one in purple and one in red. I love them. If you need a band I would recommend checking out The ID Band Company. https://www.theidbandco.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI642n5Jfl5gIVjbTtCh3uXwfrEAAYASAAEgIZ4fD_BwE 

5) Subscription to a medical alert service 

This is along the same lines as the medical alert band. A medical alert service provides you with a way to get important information about yourself to those looking after you if you are unable to provide that information yourself. I joined the subscription service offered by The ID Band Company, however there are other companies out there that offer the same type of service. I have the phone number of the alert service and a personalised ID number written on my alert band. If I have a seizure when I am out and about, first aiders or paramedics can call the number, give the person my ID number and they will then share with them the information they need. I think it is a brilliant idea and is super affordable too. I think my subscription was £15 for the year. 

So there we have it, my top five items you need this year. Here’s to a fabulous, epilepsy kicking 2020