Working Around My Workarounds
Living with ALS certainly has its challenges, which lead many of us to rely on workarounds. These are creative, temporary solutions that solve an everyday problem; I first wrote about mine in “…
Living Well With ALS
— Dagmar Munn
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.
Featured Post
Positive self-talk helps me stay motivated when I need it
Last week, I fully intended to write a new “Living Well With ALS” column. I sat down, flipped open my laptop, gazed out the window, and got lost in a stare. As the…
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I’m Learning to Heed My ‘Aha’ Moments While Living with ALS
I’ve always believed that I was open to new ways of doing things, but having ALS has put me to the test. My pride and a little denial have often gotten in the…
How My AFOs Helped Me Learn to Live with ALS
Sometimes we need a nudge to help us get over a mental funk and back into the swing of life. My nudge came from a pair of white ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) with whom I had…
Staying Current on ALS Research and Learning from the Experts
Recently, I attended an “Ask the Experts” educational seminar sponsored by my local chapter of the ALS Association. It’s an annual event that presents current information on ALS-related topics and…
How I Stop Feeling Overwhelmed by ALS
It doesn’t matter if you are a patient living with ALS, or the person who provides care, ALS can feel overwhelming. Too many changes, too many decisions, and our own energy…
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…
I’m Not Surprised by ALS’ Link to Depression
Like many others in my ALS community, I try to keep up with ALS-related news and research. I’ll admit, though, that reading some scientific terminology makes my eyes glaze over. However,…
Stepping Out of My ‘ALS Silo’
Growing up in Iowa, I knew that silos were beneficial for farmers who used them to store grain and corn. When I entered the workforce, silos were a negative thing. It was…
Be Willing to Do Just One Squat
I’ve been experimenting with improving my leg strength and gaining back a lost skill. I share the surprising results below. Since my ALS diagnosis in 2010, I’ve followed a daily practice of range-of-motion exercises…
Weather Lessons for Living Well with ALS
Stick around, because the weather will always change! That was a life lesson I learned while growing up in Iowa. Spring in Iowa often meant that one day we’d be wearing parkas,…
Adventures with My Mobility Scooter
They’re boring, slow, and only for old people! That’s what I told my husband when he first suggested that I consider using a mobility scooter. Like so many who live with…
Are You Fighting Battles or Just Encountering Speed Bumps?
As I travel down life’s highway with ALS, I’m always on alert for speed bumps. These are the metaphorical unknowns that pop up to challenge my resilience and positive mindset. Last…
