1 / 24

ENERGY CONSERVATION

ENERGY CONSERVATION. Katie Schweitzer, OTR/L Occupational Therapist University of Rochester Medical Center October 9, 2010. Objectives. Define energy conservation Understand why energy conservation is so important for you Learn the “basic rules” of energy conservation

lucas
Download Presentation

ENERGY CONSERVATION

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. ENERGY CONSERVATION Katie Schweitzer, OTR/L Occupational Therapist University of Rochester Medical Center October 9, 2010

  2. Objectives 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

  3. What is 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

  4. Why is Energy Conservation important? • 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

  5. Energy Conservation 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

  6. Goal of Energy Conservation To allow you to do as much or more activity with less pain and fatigue

  7. What does this mean? It means that you need to complete your daily activities in a different way or method…using the least amount of energy as possible

  8. What this doesn’t mean • This does NOT mean that you should • Stay in bed • Rest all day • Avoid activities that you enjoy

  9. Basic rules of Energy Conservation

  10. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Avoid too much or too little activity • Balance work, rest and play • Different for everyone

  11. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Avoid too much or too little activity • Balance work, rest and play • Different for everyone • Avoid rushing…pace yourself • Don’t short change your time • Plan for adequate, if not more time than anticipated to complete activities

  12. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Avoid too much or too little activity • Balance work, rest and play • Different for everyone • Avoid rushing…pace yourself • Don’t short change your time • Plan for adequate, if not more time than anticipated to complete activities • Take frequent short rest breaks • Rest breaks can vary from 30 seconds to 30 minutes and more!

  13. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Prioritize activities • Ask yourself “what really needs to get done today?”

  14. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Prioritize activities • Ask yourself “what really needs to get done today?” • 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

  15. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Use adaptive equipment • Automatic jar/can opener • Large grip utensils

  16. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Use adaptive equipment • Automatic jar/can opener • Large grip utensils • Use proper body mechanics • Use your legs • Use larger body parts • Sit don’t stand

  17. Basic rules of Energy Conservation • Use adaptive equipment • Automatic jar/can opener • Large grip utensils • Use proper body mechanics • Use your legs • Use larger body parts • Sit don’t stand • Delegate difficult tasks • Do you have to clean the tub?

  18. For example • 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

  19. 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.

  20. Take a minute…

  21. Remember… Energy is like money…you only have so much, so think about what you want to spend it on!!!

  22. Learning more about Energy Conservation • 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

  23. Any questions??

  24. Thank You!

More Related