SEIZURE FIRST AID

I remember first learning about epilepsy when I was in 3^rd grade at good ol’ Pinewood Elementary in Charlotte. Our librarian read us a book about what to do if someone had a seizure. I distinctly remember the part about putting a wooden or metal spoon in their mouth so that they wouldn’t swallow their tongue. Now keep in mind, this was at a time when we still had a book in the library about how breaking a thermometer and rolling the beads of mercury around in your hand was lots of fun! Needless to say, a lot has changed since then and it’s a good time to do a refresher on what to do to help if someone has a seizure (these points are primarily geared towards responding if someone has a tonic-clonic (convulsive) seizure). It’s never too early to teach kids these 10 simple rules too.

1-Keep yourself and those around you calm

2- Clear the area around the person to make sure there is nothing hard or sharp that might injury them

3- If possible, place something soft under their head, like a pillow or folded piece of clothing

4- Don’t try to hold the person down or restrain them

5- Turn them over onto their left side to help keep their airway clear

6-Remove glasses and loosen any tight clothing like a neck tie that might restrict breathing

7-DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH. People having a seizure can not swallow their tongue and you may harm them by trying to pry open or put something in their mouth

8- Time the seizure with your watch. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or another one starts before the person recovers from the first seizure, call for emergency medical assistance

9-Stay with the person until the seizure ends. After the seizure, they may be very tired and disoriented for a while so be friendly and reassuring and stay with them until they regain consciousness

10-When they have fully recovered, be supportive. I think this point can be stressed with kids (and adults J)-don’t treat anyone with epilepsy any differently after a seizure than you would have before or any differently than your other friends. Treat everyone with kindness and respect!

The recipe for tonight (Purple Greek Chicken Sandwich) is a winner for a couple of reasons. First, I can make this delicious sandwich in 5 minutes flat. Second, it’s relatively healthy (yes, you heard me right-I actually do enjoy SOME healthy foods. Pigs are flying!). Third, Matt said this is his favorite purple thing I have made. Hmm-I don’t know how to feel about that considering I’ve labored away on some of these recipes and the majority of this particular recipe is just assembling store bought ingredients. Let me tell you, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a working mom’s best friend! Hope you like this one!

Purple Greek Chicken Sandwich

SHOPPING LIST:

1 package of pita pockets , flatbreads, or wraps (I like the Foldit brand of 5 grain flatbreads)

1 rotisserie chicken

1 container of Otria Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dill Feta Dip (located in the refrigerated salad dressing section beside the Marzetti dressings)

1 small container of crumbled feta

1 small red onion (you will only need a few thin slices per sandwich)

1 small bag of spring mix (green and purple leaves)

1 small jar of calamata purple olives

1 small ripe tomato, sliced

ASSEMBLY:

For each sandwich, slather 1-2 Tb of the greek yogurt dip on one side of the bread. Top with chopped chicken (I use ½ chicken breast for each sandwich, use more if you like).  Layer on thin slices of the red onion, handful of spring mix, and slices of tomato. Slice 6-8 olives per sandwich and add to the veggies. Top with crumbled feta and enjoy!