Introducing the ALS News Today Forums, Our Hub for Open Dialogue

I have exciting news to share with you about a community addition to this site!

The ALS News Today Forums, which launched today, is a space designed to give readers an easier way to connect , share comments, and ask questions related to ALS. It is open to all in the ALS community: patients, caregivers, family, and friends.

The ALS News Today Forums are a virtual, modern support group

Yes, other online groups do exist. No, our goal is not to replace them, but we can offer improvements.

For example, I enjoy the robust discussions on many ALS-related groups on Facebook. But later on, when I need to find a specific comment or link someone posted, I have to track back through endless linear feeds. More often than not, I give up searching.

Even on the page for my weekly patient column, “Living Well with ALS,” the reader comment section is not conducive to ongoing or in-depth discussions.

Organized by topic, the format of the ALS News Today Forums will be more efficient and accessible. Plus, two moderators will curate the space — I’m honored to say I’m one!

Seven subforums to participate in

Think of subforums as topic areas. As we grow, members can propose new topics where appropriate. To start us off, us moderators have created seven common areas of interest. Currently, we have:

• Living with ALS
• ALS Caregivers
• Diagnosis Information and General Questions
• Teens with ALS
• ALS and Relationships
• Research Topics
• Using Our Forums

We are a community

ALS can be isolating. Patients and their families often find they may be the only ones in their town living with the disease, which makes connecting with other patients a challenge. The progression of ALS symptoms reduces mobility and communication, and it can isolate patients in their own homes.

I hope the ALS News Today Forums will make it easier for readers to feel connected and get needed information.

Please register, build a profile, and introduce yourself to the other members. I look forward to chatting with each of you!

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Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.