Welcome - About Me

Hello, I’m Dagmar Munn

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as MND or Lou Gehrig's Disease), I invite you to join me as I explore and share the many ways we can live a balanced and resilient life - - all while LIVING with ALS.

I consider you my new friend, because no matter where you live - - we share the ALS experience.

Sometimes my posts will be humorous and some are serious, but I try to always make them helpful. Usually, I add lots of links and resources so you can continue to explore ideas on your own. Remember, as I share my thoughts and experiences with you, I hope you'll share your comments with me.

About me

Years ago, my professional life involved teaching wellness and mind-body health as well as leading many, many fitness classes. In 1996, I was part of a team that created the St. Luke’s Center for Health & Well-Being; a department of St. Luke’s Hospital, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Read my post about our wellness center here)

We were the first hospital-based complementary and alternative therapy center in the state of Iowa and offered classes in yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and meditation. Over time, we grew to add Holistic Nursing, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, Reiki, and even Holistic Physician services. As the center's Director, my time was spent teaching classes and educating patients, hospital staff, and the community on the topic of wellness and our unique services. I spent over twenty-nine years helping others reach and achieve their health goals. 

My father George Nissen is the inventor of the modern trampoline and during my childhood, my family performed in a trampoline act called "The Nissen's;" which promoted trampolines throughout the world. I grew up competing and coaching gymnastics and, have a Masters degree in dance. 

My life was always filled with movement!

In December of 2010, when I was diagnosed with ALS; the challenge for me became one of: how to apply all those wellness and movement experiences to my new situation - - you could say I became my own special class of "one!"

Align, Lengthen & Strengthen Your Resilience; 
While Living with ALS

by Dagmar Munn

Sharing my experiences

Over the past 11 years, I've written a (free) book about my first year living with ALS, began writing this blog, been invited to speak at ALS-related events, and now write a weekly column for ALS News Today. Throughout, I followed a simple formula for daily living; based on the wellness principles I once taught to others. This formula - - shared through my writings - - supports my goal of living a balanced wellness life - - while living with ALS.

This blog is dedicated to encouraging you to do the same!

Where do you begin?

You can download my book, go to this grand Index of all my blog posts, or use the tabs at the top of this page that list categories for my blog posts. 

By the way, I also write about trampoline history!

You can follow the complete history of my father's company: the Nissen Trampoline Company at my blog: Nissen News - -  http://www.nissentrampoline.blogspot.com where I have a complete archive of company newsletters beginning with the year 1957.

I highlight the events, people, and athletes who contributed to the success of trampoline as a sport in my blog: Trampoline History Blog - - http://www.trampolinehistory.blogspot.com

Enjoy my archive of vintage trampoline videos on Youtube at: Trampoline History Videos 

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Dagmar Munn
ALS and Wellness Blogger

"Wellness is more than being free from illness. It is a dynamic process of change and growth. A conscious self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential."

The National Wellness Institute