Top ‘Living Well with ALS’ Posts of 2017

With 2017 quickly coming to a close, I decided to learn a little more about my readers and which of my posts were the most popular. While scrolling through the numbers I identified my most-read posts and the posts that drew the most comments. I learned that ultimately, we all want the same thing: a treatment and cure for ALS.

It was just last June that I began writing this “Living Well with ALS“ column for ALS News Today. My big goal was to write a weekly column that shared my own experiences living with ALS and offered motivation and wellness tips. Now, 26 posts later, I can proudly say I’ve met that goal. My new goal is to fine-tune things and focus on the topics my readers and I find relevant and important to share.

Most-read posts:

I’ll admit that these days, media experts can spin the numbers in almost any direction. I simply looked at the count of reader views for each post and took it to mean the article was not only read but shared with others and shared again.

Of all my various topics, the ones offering tips, how-to advice, and recommendations were the most popular.

• Topping the list with 2,910 reader views was “3 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Energy and Well-Being.” Here, I shared three routines I practice throughout the day to boost my own energy and well-being.
• Coming in second, with 2,863 reader views, was “How to Help Your Friends When They Ask to Help You.” This post shared advice for answering friends who ask, “How can I help you?”
• Finally, “These ALS Resources Get High Marks” received 2,145 reader views. In this post, I discussed the new online resources ALS Pathways and Your ALS Guide.

Most reader comments

It’s one thing just to read an article, but to type out a comment or two takes motivation and effort! Social media experts call reader comments engagement; a sharing of ideas and opinions, and participating in the conversation. I welcome comments and am always amazed at the broad range of countries represented by those who read and leave comments on my posts.

Most of my posts elicited comments in the single digits, except for these three:

• “A Clinical Trial That’s Just My Style” drew 14 comments from readers who shared their own experiences and interest in learning more about the study of core body temperature in ALS.
• “Robots, Technology, and A.I. — Oh My” had 14 comments as well. Readers wrote about their own use of technology and supportive devices.
• But the winner by far, with a whopping 40 comments, was “What Does ALS Look Like to You?” This particular post inspired many opinions as discussion focused on the challenges of accurately representing ALS in a photograph without stereotyping the disease.

My favorite post

As I have previously shared with you, I’m a glass-half-full person. I also have the most fun writing when I can add humor or share a funny personal experience. My husband has learned not to worry about my occasional bursts of laughter while I’m typing away. “Writing another funny article?” he’ll ask. “Yup,” I answer. I know having ALS is no laughing matter, but for me, life has many, many laughing moments.

If I had to pick one favorite post, it would be “Laugh on Down the Road,” where I share how traveling with ALS can be challenging, but a little humor can relieve the journey’s stress.

Thank you, readers! Happy holidays to all and see you in 2018!

We’ll continue to learn together how to live well while living with ALS.

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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.