Being ALS Support Group Savvy
In last week’s column, I shared how the simple strategy of showing up helps me live with ALS. This week, I have a suggestion for something that should be at the top of your list of things to…
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
How I help new friends after their diagnosis of ALS
It takes courage to reach out to a complete stranger and ask for their help. I know, because I’m that stranger, and the ones seeking my help are people newly diagnosed with ALS. But the good thing is,…
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How I Use ‘Showing Up’ to Help Me Live with ALS
I experienced quite a few emotional dips during my first year of living with ALS. Dips in the way of full-on mental funks, feeling a loss of purpose, being disconnected from others, and worrying about the…
Fighting Another Cold While Managing ALS
This time around, I really, really tried not to let it happen. But it did. I washed my hands. I avoided all contact with suspicious “others,” and even hauled around a good-sized tub of disinfectant wipes. All…
3 ALS News Items to Note: Exercise, a Documentary, and a Love Story
I don’t know about your email inbox, but mine often overflows with news alerts. I can usually buzz through them fairly quickly, but last week, three items caught my eye and had me clicking through to learn…
My ALS Hero: Stephen Hawking
For a man whose passion involved solving the mysteries of the universe, Stephen Hawking remained a mystery to many. First and foremost he was a British physicist, earning accolades and respect for his many contributions to science.
My Week Living by the Numbers
I recently volunteered to participate in the Precision Medicine Program (PMP) of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). I chose them because all of their funds go toward research, I like doing my part to…
With ALS, Self-care Is Vital for Well-being
As a newly diagnosed ALS patient attending an ALS clinic, I received a packet filled with various brochures and helpful information. Attached to one pamphlet I found a small card with the words, “Taking care of…
Tap into Your Inner Astronaut for Resilience
What do we have in common with an astronaut who is trying to survive while stranded on a hostile planet? Answer: We share the ability to tap into our resourcefulness, resiliency, and optimism. Perhaps you had a…
Making a New Friend with Help from a Boogie Board
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a fun, social, gala event. Even though the occasion was filled with presentations and entertaining activities, my best take-home memory came from the special moment I shared with another…
Learning How to Speak (and Breathe) with Ease
Last month, I read a blog post from the ALS Association that made me sit up and pay attention. It told the story of a woman with ALS-related voice issues who learned specific vocal techniques normally…
How to Coach the Coach: Make It a Sandwich
Quality caregiving and care-accepting depend on effective communication between parties. It’s a delicate balancing act, especially when the caregiver is a spouse or family member. With traditional roles reversed, misunderstandings can happen and feelings easily get…
Time Matters
Among the many challenges I experienced during my early months with ALS was its effect on my perception of time. Before ALS, I pretty much meandered through life in full confidence that many more years lie ahead…
