Waterview Nursing & Rehabilitation Supports ALS Awareness Month in May 2014

May 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Flushing, 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 happen to anyone, regardless of race, economic standing, or geographic location. On average, 15 new cases of ALS are diagnosed every day. That is 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 Michael Berger, Administrator at Waterview.

Waterview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a premier 180-bed skilled nursing and comprehensive care facility serving the healthcare needs of Flushing, New York. Services include exceptional short-term rehab for individuals coming from an acute-care setting, long-term care, an Alzheimer's/Dementia program and more. Waterview's highly trained team of physical, occupational and speech therapists carefully tailor unique recovery programs for each resident.


Feel free to visit Waterview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at 119-15 27th Avenue, Flushing, New York 11354, for a tour of the facility. Kindly contact Michael Berger, Administrator, at 718-461-5000 or check us out online atwww.WaterviewNursing.com. Like us at Facebook.com/pages/WaterviewNursing. Follow us at Twitter.com/WaterviewNH. Join us at Google.com/+Waterviewnursing.