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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!