The Epilepsy Association of Calgary
The Epilepsy Association of Calgary is a source of information and encouragement.
Once diagnosed with epilepsy, many people feel anxious, vulnerable and uninformed. By talking with one another in support groups, the fear and misunderstanding can be replaced with caring concern and accurate information.
Our support groups meet once a month at our office. There is no preregistration and no charge. We welcome anyone interested in listening, learning, and sharing. We focus on providing information, support and encouragement.
For more information about the Epilepsy Support Group meetings, contact the office at 403-230-2764, 1-866-EPILEPSY, during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and or by email.
Adult Support Group Meetings
Mondays - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Held at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary
4112 - 4th Street NW
Calgary, Alberta
Upcoming dates:
- January 30, 2012
- February 27, 2012
- THURSDAY March 29, 2012 (NOTE DIFFERENT DAY FOR THIS SESSION)
- April 23, 2012
- May 28, 2012
The Parents Network
Sessions are held on Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the EAC office.
Upcoming dates:
- January 19, 2012
- February 16, 2012
- March 15, 2012
- April 19, 2012
- May 17, 2012
Upcoming Information Sessions
Anyone with or concerned with epilepsy (parents, friends, spouses, peers) is welcome to attend.
All sessions are from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm and held at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary office.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The Birds and Bees… and Epilepsy
Presented by Nina Sangra, The Calgary Sexual Health Centre
Do you cringe at the thought of your child coming to you and asking "Where do babies come from"? Do you feel anxious when you have to give the 'sex talk' and explain about the 'birds and the bees'? Well then let the Calgary Sexual Health Centre help ease your fears and provide useful tips on what to say and how to say it! This workshop will provide some suggestions and tools for parents and caregivers on how to talk to children about the body and sex. In addition, there will be a piece about disclosing epilepsy to a partner, who is safe to talk to, and the ever pressing question, "Am I normal"? There will also be information on determining if sex really does bring on a seizure, or if anxiety is actually the culprit.
We encourage those who want to feel more comfortable with providing answers to those curious youngsters, as well as those wanting information on how to help your child feel comfortable and able to disclose when the time comes to join us for what is sure to be an interesting and informative evening! Please bring all your curiosities with you as there will be time for some Q & A at the end of the presentation.
For Your Calendar
March 26 is Purple Day, 2012!
We're already making plans for Purple Day 2012. In addition to the lighting of the Langevin Bridge, we are also hopeful that the City of Calgary will light the Centre Street Bridge in purple. We'll also have buttons available and are approaching local bakeries about promoting purple cupcakes as part of the Great Purple Cupcake Project. As plans are finalized we'll post them on our website, we'll tweet, and we'll e-mail to let you know how the day will unfold. In the meantime - make sure your school, groups and workplaces are prepared! Let's create a WAVE of purple in Calgary and Central Alberta!
How Can You Help?
• Make your plans now...
• Catch the Purple Wave - Show your support—wear purple!
• Ask us for pins and posters so others will know why you're doing it.
• Host a "Purple" activity, contest, or fund-raising event and keep us posted!
• Send us your photos and stories - we can't wait to hear them!
No question is too big or small! If you would like more information on the programs above or any of our Support Program services, or if you would like to be added to our advance contact/reminder list, please contact Heather at (403) 230-2764 or support@epilepsycalgary.com.
Taking Control of Your Wellness Skills Development Program
Ongoing registration is available for this program based on the work of Joel Reiter, MD., Donna Andrews, and Charlotte Janis, who developed a book and program, "Taking Control of Your Epilepsy".
Taking Control of Your Wellness Skills Development is a holistic health approach that considers the entire individual including the physiological, psychological, and interpersonal, dimensions of the person. The program provides a variety of skills and tools that help participants learn to minimize the negative impact of epilepsy their life, while enhancing an overall sense of wellness. The program consists of weekly individual sessions over 12 to 15 weeks. If you'd like to make some positive changes in your life, then this could be the program for you!
For more information contact the support coordinator at (403) 230-2764, 1-866-EPILEPSY, or by email.
