These
simulations will give you some great ideas about how to explain
what some of the symptoms caused by MS can feel like. Either
watch these short videos with your kids, or do the simulations
with them at home.
QuickTime
5 or higher required to play all videos. Download it now if
you need it.
1)
Tingly Toes:
Some
raw elbow macaroni in the shoes does the trick to simulate this
common symptom of MS. Just put some of the macaroni in the toe
area of both shoes and have your child walk around a bit. His/Her
toes will begin to tingle in no time!
Video
- :30 seconds
2) Heavy Limbs/Fatigue: By securing some regular ankle weights
to your child's ankles and forearms, you can easily simulate
the common MS symptom of heavy limbs and/or abnormal fatigue.
Video
- :30 seconds
3)
Numb Fingertips: This is one of the most effective simulations.
Have your child put on a pair of cotton or wool gloves and then
ask him/her to turn to a specific page in a magazine, book,
or newspaper. It quickly becomes a frustrating request for the
child because he/she can't feel the pages - just like someone
with MS who experiences the symptom of numb fingertips.
4 & 5) Partial Paralysis and Blurry Vision: By securing
a small bungee cord around your child's waist to hold down of
his/her arms, you can effectively simulate what it might feel
like to be partially paralyzed. It's combined with the symptom
of blurry vision in this exercise because the child was given
the task to pick up a pair of glasses with vasoline smeared
on the lenses and put them on using his partially paralyzed
arm.
