Multiple Sclerosis Center offers stateof the-art, full continuum services

I n the United States, there are 400,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), with nearly one person being diagnosed each hour. New treatments are being introduced, yet the condition is an ongoing health concern.

Dan Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, National MS Society board member and senior vice president and COO of CentraState Healthcare System, explains,Receiving a diagnosis can be devastating to an individual and their family, but receiving care that is specialized to the patients unique needs, can help with learning to live with MS. It begins with an accurate diagnosis, establishing an individualized treatment plan and helping patients and families to receive necessary support services.

That is why in 2002, CentraState committed to developing the nationally recognized state-of-the-art Linda E. Cardinale MS Center, one of only two in the state. This 4,400-square-foot facility allows patients to receive all primary and support health care services to help them manage their MS.Through our center, patients can meet with our 11 certified MS specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology, the most of any MS Center in the nation.We also offer integrated, holistic care with neurologists, urologists, physiatrists, nutritionists, psychotherapists and social workers, as well as support groups and aquatic therapy.

In addition, during 2011, CentraState celebrated the opening of Kershaw Commons, located in CentraStates Applewood Estates community in Freehold. Offering special needs housing for people living with MS, Kershaw Commons, the first MS-specific housing facility in New Jersey, provides an alternative to living in a skilled nursing home.

Amos Katz M.D., board-certified neurologist and medical director of the MS Center explains,The MS Center at CentraState Medical Center offers a full array of support services to patients with MS, all delivered by a compassionate staff. Katz adds,CentraState is involved with research in multi-site studies for new MS treatments and patient focused outcome studies on improving quality of life.

Lately, new treatments for MS have been introduced to the more than 750 patients of the CentraState MS Center, with many of these significantly improving quality of life and care management.

Paula Collins was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003.Initially I received treatment at a facility closer to where I worked, but through a workbased support group was referred to Dr. Katz at CentraState, explained Collins. What impressed me the most was that Dr. Katz focused only on MS. He works very hard to keep patients a step ahead in their treatment plans. And he, along with the staff at the MS Center, are all very dedicated and compassionate providers.

Collins is also a graduate of the MS Wellness Program offered through CentraState. This 12-week health and education program helps attendees learn to make positive choices for and enhance their physical, mental, social, intellectual and spiritual health.

In addition to being a patient at the MS Center, Collins in a member of the CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center and volunteers in the MS center every Thursday. She adds,Working behind the scenes offers me a view of how all staff, from the front office to the back treatment room, cares deeply for all of the patients. She credits the 12-week wellness program with her current ability to belong to the fitness center and maintain her duties as a weekly

CentraState invites you to meet Paula Collins and Dr. Katz to learn more about the specialized services available to those individuals living with MS at the MS Center at CentraState Medical Center.

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Multiple Sclerosis Center offers stateof the-art, full continuum services