Early this year, there was a media report of a suspected cluster of ALS among Italian soccer players. This important scientific observation requires scientific study although, at this time, it is not clear exactly what the possible association between ALS and soccer playing may be. The Miami Herald and the National Italian American Foundation have announced and published story updates.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive wasting away of certain nerve cells of the brain and spinal column called motor neurons. The motor neurons control the voluntary muscles, which are the muscles that allow movement. ALS is a progressive, disabling, usually fatal disease. Walking, speaking, eating, swallowing, breathing, and other basic functions become more difficult with time.

A-myo-trophic" comes from the Greek language. "A" means no or negative. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment---"No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that nourish the muscles are located.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first identified in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the 1990's have brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the physiology of this disease.

Yes, we have women's soccer, we will be starting Intercollegiate play in Fall 2002 and we have a coach on campus, his name is Robert King. For more information please call (770)423-6615 or mail him at rking2@kennesaw.edu.

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition brought about by the degradation of the protective sheath around the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS). This protective sheath known as myelin is attacked by the body's immune system causing areas of damage called plaques or lesions in a process known as demyelination.

Standard lateral impact tests have not yet been developed for racing, but they are in the works. Computer simulations indicate that Isaac® will reduce head loads caused by lateral impacts by 50%. This makes sense. Isaac® should offer some lateral support because one shock will be in tension and the other in compression. Tether-based "head restraints" only work in tension — you can't push on a rope.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a.k.a Motor Neuron Disease-is a rapidly progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain which transmit signals from the brain to the voluntary muscles throughout the body. When motor neurons die as a result of ALS, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. When muscles fail to receive messages, they weaken, atrophy, and die. There is no known cure.

present there is no definitive means of diagnosis of ALS/MND. Most diagnoses are made by eliminating all other possibilities--ailments whose symptoms resemble those of ALS/MND. Neurologists use a number of clinical tests to establish a profile, including blood testing, EMG, MRI, etc;

Some of the pain ALS may cause are pressure sores, muscle aches or cramps, swelling feet, and muscle contractions.

Travel soccer is an option available for advanced and talented players who would like to concentrate on soccer as their primary sport. Travel soccer entails a larger time commitment from players, including two-three practices per week and a game (sometimes far enough away that an overnight stay is required) on weekends. Competition can be intense and if your child is not mature enough to handle the possibility of not making a team, an extended waiting period may be best.

No. Although you help run a morning clinic each day, the rest of the outreach includes training (guest speakers), morning devotion and worship, evening outreaches and evening prayer. You will have plenty of soccer playing opportunities which will help sharpen your skills, but this is not designed to train or develop your soccer playing abilities. It is a ministry outreach. Unlike a camp, you are together with the rest of the outreach team 24/7 from the beginning to the end of the trip.