BLADDERBULLETIN
Inthisissue:
ALSAwarenessMonth
WhoWasLouGehrig
Spotlight
RecommendedWatchorRead
NumotionSpeechSolutions EducationalOpportunities
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS causes motor neurons to degenerate, leading to impaired coordination, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
AccordingtotheALSAssociation:
”Amyotrophic”comesfromtheGreeklanguage "A" means no "Myo" refers to muscle "Trophic" means nourishment So, amyotrophic means " no muscle nourishment,” and when a muscle has no nourishment,it"atrophies"orwastesaway. "Lateral"identifiestheareasinaperson'sspinalcord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and controlthemusclesarelocated.
As this area degenerates, it leads to scarring or hardening("sclerosis")intheregion
ALSgradually(andoftenalltooquickly)impairs anindividual’sabilitiestomove,speak,swallow,and breathe
Currently, there is no cure for ALS; however, treatment emphasizes symptom management and strategiestoimprovequalityoflife.
Continue reading to learn more about ALS, and howtogivebacktotheALScommunity!
WhoWasLou Gehrig?
LouGehrigplayedfirstbasefortheNew YorkYankeesfrom1923-1939 Heearnedthe nickname“theIronHorse”andiswell-known asoneofthegreatestbaseballplayersofall time,ultimatelybeingelectedintothe BaseballHallofFame
OnMay2,1939,Gehrigshockedplayers andfanswhenhevoluntarilyremoved himselffromthelineupasaresultofhis abilitiesbeingimpactedbyanundiagnosed condition;Gehrig’sconcernsfirstarosewith increasingfatigue,laterleadingto decreasedstrengthandcoordinationas well.
GehrigflewtotheMayoClinicand endured6daysofextensivetests On Gehrig’s36 birthday,hereceivedthe officialdiagnosisofAmyotrophicLateral Sclerosis. th
LouGehrigpassedawayathome,on June2,1941,just2yearsafterbeing diagnosed Gehrig’swife,Eleanor,devoted thenext43yearsofherlifetosupportingALS researchasaprofounddedicationofher trueloveforLou
TheALSAssociationhoststhe“WalktoDefeatALS” acrossthecountry.Byprovidingyourzipcode,you canparticipateinthesewalksactively,orthrough donations CheckouttheALSAssociationwebsite tofindyourlocalwalkandparticipate!
You’re Not You tells the story of an accomplished young woman who has recently been diagnosed with ALS The story follows her vulnerable journey through the disease progression and its challenges, ultimately leading to the need for a power wheelchair, specialty bathroom equipment, and a caregiver. The bond that forms between the main character and her caregiver is powerful, and deeply life-changing for both of them
I truly encourage you to watch or read You’re Not You this month!
Mother’sDay
ThisauthorextendswishesforaveryHappyMother’sDaytoall typesofmoms(human,plant,furbaby) andIamsendingloveto everyonewithwhomoneoftheseflowers(andmore!)resonate Iseeyourblooms !
EducationalandCEUOpportunities
NumotionoffersavarietyofCEUsforPhysicalTherapists,OccupationalTherapists,ATPs,andmore ScantheQRCodestolearnmore,andtoenrollinNumotion’sMedicalSupplyCEUofferings(availablelive andon-demand!).
ContactyourNumotionMedicalSupplyAccountManagerforadditionalinformation, toreceiveproductsamples,andforupcomingeducationalopportunities!
