Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Supports ALS Awareness Month in May 2014

May 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Long Beach, NY (May 2014) During the month of May, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) recognizes those living with ALS in support of National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (or ALS) Awareness Month. A number of month-long programs and initiatives are underway to heighten public awareness of ALS and to inform the ALS community of the services, support and research available from the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

ALS, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons from the brain reach to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

The ALS Association promotes knowledge of the disease and resources for those suffering. ALS is not contagious, but could strike anyone, regardless of race, economic standing, or geographic location. On average, 15 new cases of ALS are diagnosed every day; more than 5,000 per year. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis. However, with advances in research and medical care many patients are living longer lives with more productivity. For more information about what you can do to support ALS research, visit www.alsa.org.

“ALS is a devastating illness for patients and their loved ones. The cause of ALS is still unknown and while there is no cure, there is hope. With support from our communities, dedicated researchers are working toward putting an end to this terrible disease. We urge everyone to take time and learn about what you can do to help,” said Bar Giberstien, the administrator at Grandell Rehab and Nursing Center.​

Grandell Rehab and Nursing Center, located at 645 W Broadway, Long Beach, NY, is a 278-bed premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation care center providing 24-hour comprehensive inpatient care to adults of all ages. Grandell provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice care, along with a renowned Alzheimer's/Dementia program. Grandell Rehab and Nursing Center also offers a highly successful amputee rehab program which utilizes a specially-made 55 foot long harness, the first of its kind in New York State. Grandell is a Glatt Kosher facility under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens.

For more information on Grandell Rehab and Nursing Center, visiting hours, or general inquiries, contact Baruch Giberstien at 516-889-1100. Kindly visit our newly redesigned website at www.GrandellRehab.com. Like us at Facebook.com/LongBeachRehab1. Follow us at Twitter.com/GrandellRehab. Connect with us at Gplus.to/GrandellRehab.