Morris Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Supports ALS Awareness Month in May 2014

May 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Bronx, 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 Estelle Rono, Assistant Administrator at Morris Park.

Morris Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a top-notch 191-bed skilled nursing and comprehensive care facility serving the healthcare needs of the Bronx, New York. Located at 1235 Pelham Parkway North, Bronx, NY, Morris Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers 24-hour comprehensive inpatient care to their residents. Services include exceptional short-term rehabilitation and long-term care for individuals coming from an acute-care setting, an Alzheimer's/Dementia program, hospice and more. Morris Parks’ highly trained team of physical, occupational and speech therapists carefully tailor unique recovery programs for each resident.

For more information on Morris Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, visiting hours or general inquiries, kindly contact Estela Rono at 718.231.4300 or

EMRono822@gmail.com. Like them at Facebook.com/MorrisParkRehab and Follow them at Twitter.com/MorrisParkRehab.​