Today – February 8

8th day of the second month of 2021, has celebrations, holidays, and observances throughout the world. From creating awareness about a less-known diagnosis to a very famous organization that does well to this community we live in, this day commemorates it all. February 8 is celebrated as International epilepsy day and boy scouts day across the globe.

International epilepsy day:

Epilepsy has been around for centuries now. Yet there is little to no awareness about it. We celebrate February 8 as International epilepsy day. Today there are more than 65 million cases of epilepsy around the world. Epilepsy simply means having recurring seizures. The name is a derivation from the Greek which means “to be seized, or surprised”.

Our brain works because of constant electric activating happening inside it. A sudden burst of high electrical activity causes a seizure. This is known as Epilepsy. When seizures happen, temporarily activities related to the brain aren’t normal. Our body gets mixed signals and we act weirdly. Seizures differ from person to person. 

Sometimes there are crystal clear reasons like difficult childbirth, or major brain damage due to accident, or brain infections. But, 6 out of 10 cases do not have a transparent view of the reason behind epilepsy.

History: 

International Epilepsy Day, is an initiative by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), to celebrate every second Monday of February to promote awareness about this medical condition throughout the world. More than 130 countries celebrate this day through awareness programs and raising money through services.

How to celebrate it?

1. Try spreading the causes, symptoms, and tips on handling epilepsy to your family, friends, and co-workers.
2. Learn how to deal with a person when he/she is being affected by seizures.
3. Collect information about various epilepsy foundations in your region and donate or provide service to them in your own way.

Boy Scouts Day

February isn’t only a month of love. It’s also Boy Scout month. Boy scout of America was born in 1910, a group to do good deeds. Not many outside the boy scout association understand what this group can provide to the community. It can develop a sense of individualism and patriotism among the people of America. They instill values of goodness that can run through generations.

History:

On an early morning, a young boy William went on to carry his daily chores of distributing newspapers. He lost his way and became totally miserable. A boy scout came to his assistance. William finally arrived at his destination. When offered money for his help, the boy scout refused considering it as a good deed. 

William Dickson Boyce impressed by the values of this man wanted to develop these skills in himself and the society. He filed papers of incorporation for Boys scouts America on 8th February 1910. Thus, we celebrate Boys scouts day. 

How to celebrate it?

1. Learn more about boy scouts and what they have to offer.
2. If you know someone who is a member of BSA( Boy scouts America), thank them and encourage them.
3. Share your experience and skills for the cause of good service without expecting anything in return.