Richard A. Gerentine, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature, has proclaimed November as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Ulster County.

Ulster County is proud to pay tribute to the members of the Epilepsy Society of Southern New York, Inc. in recognition of their efforts to evaluate and treat this condition while educating and informing the local citizenry.

Epilepsy, also known as Seizure Disorder, has afflicted mankind since the dawn of species and has been recognized since the earliest medical writings. It can affect anyone, at any age and at any time.

Epilepsy can be caused by injury to the brain, lack of oxygen at birth, brain tumor, infarction and brain hemorrhage. In 60 percent of the cases, the cause is unknown.

People with epilepsy make reliable and conscientious workers in job performance, productivity, safety, and attendance and should not be a barrier to success. In addition to the normal requirements for success, a person who has epilepsy needs a supportive environment and employers who are willing to give them an opportunity to become productive citizens.