In an effort to raise vital funds as well as increase awareness, the Stroke Association is publicly challenging people to complete their favourite activity, or even just an everyday activity, but with the hand they wouldn’t normally use.
It is hoped that the challenge, which will take place between October 26th and November 1st, will shine a spotlight on strokes, the world’s second biggest killer.
It has been found that while stroke mortality rates are decreasing, survivors are left with a range of disabilities. Three quarters of survivors lose the use of one of their hands and are forced to re-learn how to do every-day things using their other hand.
The Stroke Association offers vital support to stroke survivors and their families. They have helped thousands of people conquer this condition, and have worked tirelessly to publicise stroke-prevention. Funding however is crucial to their continued success.
A stroke can completely change a person’s life and most survivors require on-going care and assistance. The Stroke Association provides a number of services that help survivors make the best recovery possible and regain a quality of life and independence. Recovering from a stroke is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face, so show your support for the charity and its survivors this October by participating in the 'Give a Hand' challenge.
Here at MummyPages, we can’t wait to participate in Give a Hand week, so we put our heads together and came up with some tasks and challenges we could do.
For more ideas, you can download a suggestion pack from the Stroke Association website.
1. Get dressed in the morning
Something as simple as getting dressed using only one hand can be extremely testing when you have to do it using your non-dominant hand.
2. Write the alphabet
When you attempt to write with your other hand, you will feel very uncoordinated, almost as though you are starting from scratch. Even just using the computer mouse with your other hand is very tricky, but such tasks will give you a good insight into the challenges being faced by stroke survivors.
3. Brush your teeth
This is not as easy as it sounds. In fact, even just holding the toothbrush with your other hand can be frustratingly difficult.
4. Wash the dishes
Try washing the dishes with your non-dominant hand even just once, and you will never again complain about how arduous a task dish-washing is. Even filling and emptying the dishwasher with your other hand is surprisingly hard.
5. Bowling
If you would prefer an activity more so than a task, then we think the idea of 'Other Hand Bowling' - as suggested by The Stroke Association - would be great fun to try.
