ALS: The Disease Behind the Ice Bucket Challenge

Learn how Lou Gehrig's disease affects the body.

Take the Challenge - Rita Ora in NYC gets drenched while doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which is to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.(Photo: Splash News)
What Is ALS? - Also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) rapidly affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It attacks the neurons that control our motor skills and the muscles in our face, arms and legs. Because people will lose control of these muscles, they begin to waste away. (Photo: Viaframe/Corbis)
What Are Its Symptoms? - Almost 80 percent of people with ALS first see signs of the disease in their limbs, says Medscape.com. Symptoms include falling, tripping, slurred speech, weak hand muscles, involuntary laughing and crying, decreased volume in speech and problems swallowing to name a few.  (Photo: Paul Anthony/CORBIS)Is Our Health Care System Racist and Sexist? - The Center for Reproductive Rights and Sistersong have accused the U.S. of violating the United Nations' rules when it comes to their approach to women of color. Their report highlights the high rates of maternal deaths and the racial discrimination that these women face in the health care system, writes Colorlines. (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

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The Ice Bucket Challenge - Thanks to some great PR and celebs like Kerry Washington, Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart, the Ice Bucket Challenge has gone viral. And while it’s all for a good cause, do you know what ALS is? Read more about this devastating disease and how it affects African-Americans. — Kellee Terrell(Photo: Splash News)

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