Copying someone’s actions can be fun and help us learn new things. But imitation can also be dangerous, especially if you live with a serious condition such as ALS, which I have. I learned a lesson in imitation many years ago, while I was teaching a class in aerobic…
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.
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I have to confess: I envy people who multitask. It is something I used to do with ease, but ALS has firmly put those days in the rearview mirror. It’s not even that I am “tasking” much these days; I find myself simply reminiscing about the times when I…
Imagine you’re all alone, stranded on a remote island and surrounded by miles and miles of uncharted ocean. Here’s my question: How much time would you let pass before giving up hope of ever being rescued? One year? How about five years? Or are you an “I’ll never give up…
How do you handle an unexpected change to your plans for the day? Do you shake your fist in the air and complain, or pause and look for opportunities? Last week, I was doing a little of both. I have ALS, and even though all of my life plans…
I like collecting buzzwords. These are the popular words or phrases that weave their way into and out of our language every year. In fact, I think writing this weekly column for the past seven years has sharpened my sensitivity to trendy jargon. Some are fun to use and…
Although I’ve accepted the many beeps, alerts, and reminders that pop in and out during my day, I’ve also developed the habit of selectively tuning out a few of them. I recently learned that’s not a good habit to have, especially because I live with ALS and some alerts…
Recently, while at my ALS clinic, I had an enlightening discussion with my neurologist about the evolving understanding of the disease mechanisms of ALS. My doctor told me that for many years, the medical community viewed ALS as a singular condition with similar needs and symptom…
Amid the busyness of last month’s ALS awareness activities, I almost missed learning about the debut of a special movie that I was quite involved with during its early stages. My friend’s email opened with, “Were your ears ringing last night?” That made me sit up straight. She told…
From the moment I wake up to when I finish breakfast, I do things in the same order as I’ve been doing them for the past 10 years. That’s because my secret dream is to be calm, relaxed, and easygoing each day. But the steady flood of life’s curveballs,…
An old adage says, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Well, I’m in that future now, so today, I’m sending my past self a basket full of thanks. Why? Because every time I walk into our bathroom, I’m grateful. And I believe the modifications my…
It’s time to fill the balloons, hang the streamers, and invite our friends and family to join us for a summer full of fun ALS awareness events! Did you know that we’re also celebrating 32 years since May was designated as ALS Awareness Month and that 2024 is…
“It was easy, fun, and I’d do it all over again.” I know those are not the typical words used by someone who just finished participating in a research study, especially one focused on ALS. But that’s exactly how I felt last week when I pressed the submit button…
For those of us living with ALS, every day can have a stressful event. The key, I believe, is to get through the event and, if possible, remember it later with humor. Even in a parking lot. “Let’s circle the parking lot one more time,” my agitated husband said.
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