Freedom of movement - walking, going up and down stairs, getting off the floor, completing daily activities, exercising—these are just a few of the activities that many of us take for granted and are able to perform without limitation. For an individual with ALS, these often become difficult or even impossible to do. As weakness develops in the legs, trunk muscles or diaphragm, active movement can become limited.

Coughing is a familiar, yet complex reflex action that functions to clear material from the airway. It protects the airway from irritants, saliva, or foreign particles that may have been inhaled (aspirated), and secretions, cellular debris, and microbes generated by the lungs or bronchial tree. Coughing can be involuntary; a reaction to inhaling a foreign particle or wayward food particle, or voluntary, intentionally taking a deep breath to clear mucus from the throat.

Being a caregiver of someone with ALS is a very important role. It usually involves a number of tasks that can be very time consuming, and can require a great deal of effort. If we do not learn to recognize that certain tasks and expectations can take their toll on us, regardless of what role(s) we play in life, we may find ourselves headed down the path of burnout.

Being a family caregiver, while a fulfilling role, can consume a great deal of physical, mental and emotional energy. Consequently, respite care is very important because it gives family caregivers of persons with ALS an opportunity to create a plan of care for themselves; something a caregiver often overlooks.

For some people with ALS, changes in thinking and behavior are quite significant and severe such that these people are challenged to make informed decisions about their care and activities and require others to act on their behalf.

As a part of reviewing your personal finances, you should carefully consider any life insurance policies that you have.

The ALS Association prepared the Patient Bill of Rights to inform people living with ALS about their rights related to health care and health plan insurance coverage.

The only way a person can begin to accept an ALS diagnosis is to be certain that the diagnosis is correct.

While staunchly supporting the right of people with ALS to make health care decisions affecting their life and death, The ALS Association believes just as strongly in the right for people to be fully informed about ALS including symptom management and comfort measures as ALS progresses.

Be recognizing the signs of fatigue, knowing which factors worsen symptoms, and learning how to conserve energy, persons with ALS can greatly improve their quality of living.

It is important to educate yourself and carefully assess the content of web sites.

An advance directive is a legal document used to instruct others about your health care wishes. It acts as a guide for your loved ones and health care providers to make health care and treatment-related decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to convey them due to illness or incapacity.

As ALS progresses, daily routines frequently change for people with ALS and their caregivers. Activities, those that were once automatic, may require either extra time and/or physical help. Oral care is one routine that can be easily forgotten.

Information on benefits that are available to the disabled through Social Security

The 10 Things to Know sheets are quick guides to inform you about a wide range of ALS-related topics.

The 10 Things to Know sheets are quick guides to inform you about a wide range of ALS-related topics.

The 10 Things to Know sheets are quick guides to inform you about a wide range of ALS-related topics.

The 10 Things to Know sheets are quick guides to inform you about a wide range of ALS-related topics.

The 10 Things to Know sheets are quick guides to inform you about a wide range of ALS-related topics.

The 10 Things to Know sheets are quick guides to inform you about a wide range of ALS-related topics.