Back in middle school, I was taught that sound comprises three components: something to make the sound, something to transport the sound, and something to receive the sound. It’s been a while since I learned that, but I assume it’s still true. The principle reminds me of a related statement…
OutSpoken — James Clingman
James Clingman lives in Easley, South Carolina, with his wife Sylvia. He developed ALS symptoms in 2009 and was diagnosed on August 23, 2013. Although he is in the later stages of this disease, his goal remains to expand awareness and knowledge of all facets of ALS as well as other lesser-known diseases. He wants to encourage everyone to acknowledge the blessing of life no matter what hand they are dealt. He is also a former adjunct professor, author, business consultant and has a daughter, Kiah, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
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I’ve previously written about sleeping and described how bedtime is one of my most anticipated periods of the day. In this column, I’d like to go a little deeper and get some feedback from other ALS patients. Do you remember the Julia Roberts movie “Sleeping with…
Remember “MacGyver“? In this TV series from the 1980s and early ’90s, the titular secret agent always found himself in an untenable predicament and used whatever was around him to devise a solution. Whether it was a paper clip, a thumbtack, or a toothpick, MacGyver was able to…
As I’ve pointed out several times in this column, public awareness of ALS is vital to obtaining and sustaining progress in finding solutions to the myriad issues associated with the disease. Have you ever heard of NurOwn? It’s a stem cell therapy that is being considered for…
Have you ever tried to assemble something or repair something only to finally give up and seek help? Such episodes were among my greatest frustrations before I was stricken with ALS. In retrospect, they feel like mere child’s play when compared with what I go through now. As a…
ALS patients have many wants and needs to make life a little easier and more comfortable. We know we can’t get everything, but it doesn’t hurt to try. So here it goes. Our bodies were made to move; to be active rather than passive. Lack of movement leads to…
Did you know that more than 16% of ALS patients have served in the military? Are you aware that veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as those who haven’t been in the military? If not staggering, those facts are compelling. Many theories have been put…
As I consider the progress we’ve made on ALS, I can’t help wondering if our overall awareness will continue to grow and lead us to even more sensitivity and advocacy. What real action will take place? Will initiatives be developed and sustained? Will we patients be closer to…
Yes, I know, this headline is an obvious conclusion. Yet, based on my dialogue with other ALS patients, as well as my own experience, it’s not always so obvious. In late 2009, I noticed a drop in my left foot. As it progressed, I asked our family doctor what…
After receiving so many positive comments on my last column, I thought it would make sense to give you some real-time information on my respite care stay, which is how the issue of certified ALS caregivers — the topic of that column — arose. I am one…
As I face another 30-day stay in a health facility, what may be a pipe dream keeps bobbing around in my head. I’d love to see an opportunity for health aides to become certified in the care of ALS patients. This appeal is not a call for a formal…
I am certain that many in my generation are familiar with the following words: “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens/ Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.” For the youngsters, those are lyrics from “My Favorite Things,” from the Broadway musical “The Sound of Music.” The song…
When I was in my early teens, I was awakened by what sounded like a rushing wind, followed by the inability to move any part of my body. It was a frightening sensation, and worse was the feeling of someone standing over me with the notion of harming me. I…
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