Why Am I Left-Handed? (part2)
Do You Fit in a Right-Handed World?
Some products, like scissors, are made to fit snug in your hand. Since most people are right-handed, these products are designed to be used on someone's right hand. Though some left-handed folks muddle through, many companies now produce left-handed products, including scissors, workshop tools, sports equipment, and even musical instruments.
School is one place a lefty might need some special stuff. For instance, many desks are designed for righties, leaving a lefty no place to rest his or her elbow. Be sure to tell a teacher if you need a different desk or left-handed scissors for that art project.
Handwriting can present problems since a left-handed person often will hook his or her hand around, thereby smearing the ink on the page or the chalk on the chalkboard. Here are some tips to make writing easier:
Avoid 3-ring notebooks and spiral-bound notebooks. The rings are in the wrong spot for a lefty, making it uncomfortable to write. Use loose-leaf paper or choose a notebook that's bound at the top instead of the left side.
Do your own testing to find the pen that's least likely to smear. Then, when your hand inevitably rubs across, you won't create such a mess. Better yet, use a pencil when you can.
Do Lefties Have the Upper Hand in Sports?
It's true. While left-handers face some obstacles, they enjoy a real advantage on the playing field. In baseball or softball, a left-handed hitter starts out a few steps closer to first base than one who's right-handed. That gives lefties a better chance at making it to first before getting tagged out. Batting lefty also forces the pitcher to throw the ball differently than he or she usually does since most hitters are right-handed.
In basketball and other sports, a left-handed player can more easily surprise an opponent, forcing a change in strategy. For instance, a left-handed basketball player will dribble with his or her left hand and come in for a basket from the left side. You can't use your hands when you're dribbling a soccer ball, but left-handed soccer players often outsmart their opponents because they're left-footed!
With that kind of advantage, it's no surprise that some super athletes have been lefties. They include baseball greats Babe Ruth and tennis player John McEnroe. But lefties have more than physical ability.
Scientist Albert Einstein, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and cartoon character Bart Simpson are all left-handed. In other words, if you're a lefty, you're in good company!
Source: kidshealth.org
Other links:
Why Am I Left-Handed? (part1)
Five Ways to Avoid Sports Injuries (part1)
Five Ways to Avoid Sports Injuries (part2)
Being Safe in the Kitchen ( part1)
Being Safe in the Kitchen (part2)
Ten Things to Do During Summer Break
Problems with Legs and Feet
