When Dagmar Munn was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 59 in 2010, she tapped into her nearly 30 years of professional health and wellness experience. She not only follows her own advice but also inspires and teaches others to do the same. In addition to her columnist role, she is one of the moderators for the ALS News Today Forums and writes a personal blog called “ALS and Wellness.” She lives with her husband in Green Valley, Arizona, enjoying finding humor in life’s situations and spending free time pursuing creative projects in fiber arts.The inspiration for this week’s column comes from a reader’s simple question: “How many mini-exercise sessions do you do a day?” My quick reaction was to think I’d already written quite a bit on the topic of exercise and ALS, and I’d just send along a few links.
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I’m looking forward to several events coming my way this holiday season. Not that my social calendar is filled up. Right now, I only have a few family get-togethers scheduled, all at restaurants with scrumptious buffets. (Yay!) I’ve learned, however, that holiday activities mixed with my ALS can add…
I’m always on the lookout for strategies that will help me make my life with ALS go a little bit smoother, and I’ve recently found a new one. It’s easy to do and, most importantly, it adds a layer of calm to my days. It might surprise you when…
During the first year after my ALS diagnosis, I was overwhelmed by the physical changes I was experiencing as I learned to eat, move, and speak in new ways. One of the most significant developments was the impact ALS had on my perception of time. It was as if…
I’m sure we’ve entered the spooky season, a time when doing simple, normal activities feels more like a trip through the local haunted house. Goblins lurking in the shadows are ready to do their mischief. Who knew I’d find one hiding in the accessible stall of a restaurant’s restroom? But before…
Once in a while, there’s a topic on the ALS News Today Forums that inspires a new column. The question posted was a simple one: “Do you celebrate ALS-related anniversaries?” I intended my reply to be just a simple “Yes.” But I ended up adding, “However, what I…
Last week, I opened my inbox and an article from ALS News Today caught my eye. The story, “Maximizing lung function with ALS,” explained how patients can proactively manage their lung health while living with ALS. After reading it, I pumped my fist in the air, a…
Come on, do we really need another reminder to practice self-care? I think we do. I know I need it, especially because I have ALS and am living in a world that’s barreling down a bumpy track. The type of self-care I’m currently focusing on isn’t a self-indulgent three-day vacation,…
“I should be an ALS comedian. I know I could, too — that is, if it weren’t for my darn ALS.” That’s what I tell myself on the days when life’s funny moments come at me fast and furious. It’s another example of how this disease keeps on challenging…
I know I’ve said this many times, but it’s worth repeating: One of the most important lessons ALS has taught me is to never give up. This leads me into this week’s column. It’s a story about shoes and my pursuit of the perfect pair. Spoiler alert: There’s a…
This summer, I’ve been superfocused on a special fix-up project — namely, my posture. Why? Because earlier this year, whether I was sitting, standing, or walking, I noticed a slow slump forward of my upper body. Oh, I’d always begin sitting tall, but somehow, I’d morph into a shorter me.
Having ALS is certainly no laughing matter. But I’ve found over the years that it can give rise to many humorous moments. On some days, in fact, finding the funny while in a frustrating situation has been one of my best coping strategies. That’s why I was taken aback to…
