Katie Schweitzer, OTR/L Occupational Therapist University of Rochester Medical Center October 9,...

Katie Schweitzer, OTR/LOccupational Therapist

University of Rochester Medical CenterOctober 9, 2010

Define energy conservation

Understand why energy conservation is so important for you

Learn the “basic rules” of energy conservation

Describe ways to incorporate energy conservation into your daily activities

Identify how/where you can receive additional information and assistance with learning about and understanding energy conservation

Exactly what it says…conserving energy

Utilizing your allowable energy in a way that maintains a functional level of activity in your life

Symptoms such as fatigue and pain make each activity performed more difficult

Struggling with activities requires more energy used by your body throughout the day

Fatigue can lead to flare-up

Fatigue can enhance pain and stiffness

A method to help you avoid fatigue and pain

Helps you achieve a balance between work and rest

Will improve your functional endurance and allow you to do more

To allow you to do as much or more activity with less pain

and fatigue

It means that you need to complete your daily activities in a different way or method…using the least amount of energy as possible

This does NOT mean that you should• Stay in bed• Rest all day• Avoid activities that you enjoy

1. Avoid too much or too little activity• Balance work, rest and play• Different for everyone

1. Avoid too much or too little activity• Balance work, rest and play• Different for everyone

2. Avoid rushing…pace yourself• Don’t short change your time• Plan for adequate, if not more time than

anticipated to complete activities

1. Avoid too much or too little activity• Balance work, rest and play• Different for everyone

2. Avoid rushing…pace yourself• Don’t short change your time• Plan for adequate, if not more time than

anticipated to complete activities3. Take frequent short rest breaks

• Rest breaks can vary from 30 seconds to 30 minutes and more!

4. Prioritize activities• Ask yourself “what really needs to get

done today?”

4. Prioritize activities• Ask yourself “what really needs to get

done today?”5. Plan/Prepare/Organize activities

• Plan ahead and anticipate outcomes Schedule activities in advance

• Prepare for all activities gather all baking items before beginning

baking• Organize activities to better accommodate

your needs Keep cupboards/closets neat

6. Use adaptive equipment• Automatic jar/can opener• Large grip utensils

6. Use adaptive equipment• Automatic jar/can opener• Large grip utensils

7. Use proper body mechanics• Use your legs• Use larger body parts• Sit don’t stand

6. Use adaptive equipment• Automatic jar/can opener• Large grip utensils

7. Use proper body mechanics• Use your legs• Use larger body parts• Sit don’t stand

8. Delegate difficult tasks• Do you have to clean the tub?

Schedule appointments near each other Plan errands by location Make and keep lists Plan difficult tasks at “good” times of the day Keep heavier dishes on low shelves Keep regularly used dishes easily accessible Use both hands to lift objects Slide items along countertops Sit to prepare meals

All of these changes may seem small and insignificant, however when you combine all the “little bits” of energy

saved throughout the day, this becomes a significant amount of

precious energy and reduced pain and fatigue.

Take a minute…

Energy is like money…you only have so much, so think

about what you want to spend it on!!!

Occupational Therapy• Learn more methods, practices and tips• Experience and utilize adaptive equipment

designed to conserve energy Located at Clinton Crossings

• Building D Ask for prescription from you

physician Call #341-9000

• For appointment• With further questions

Any questions??

Thank You!