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Safety and Seizures |
Page 13 |
Recreation
Safety
| For
years I didn't go swimming, even though I loved it. But our
pool always seemed to be crowded and I was afraid if I had a
seizure no one would notice in time to get me out of the water.
Then I found out there were "disability swim" times
when there were more people watching the swimmers and fewer
people in the water. I feel a lot safer -- and I get to swim
again. |
- When
exercising, take frequent breaks, stay cool, and save your greatest
exertion for the coolest part of the day.
- Review the risks carefully before taking up sports which could
put you in danger if you were suddenly unaware of what you were
doing.
- Exercise on soft surfaces, like grass, mats, or wood chips.
- Wearing a life vest is a good idea when you
are on or close to water.
- Swimming can be safe and fun for everyone, but
if you have seizures, avoid swimming alone.
- Tell lifeguards and friends you swim with what kind of seizures
you have, how to recognize them, and what to do if you have one.
Make sure they swim well enough to help if you need it.
First
Aid for Seizures
in Water
- Support
the head and keep the face out of the water.
- Bring
to the shore or side of the pool, place on side.
- Check
airway.
- Perform
artificial respiration if breathing does not resume.
- Call
for emergency assistance.
- Get
immediate medical treatment for water ingestion even if
someone seems to be well afterwards.
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- Wear head
protection when playing contact sports or when there is an added
risk of falling or head injuries.
- Touch football
is probably less risky than tackle football -- for everyone.
- If you ski,
ski with a buddy; you my need someone to get help if you have
a seizure in icy conditions.
- Consider
use of a safety strap and hook when riding the ski lift.
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