Energy Conserviation

Energy Conservation

This page provided by the Valley Hospital, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Dept.

Work Efficiency

Conserving energy and oxygen is necessary to complete activities of daily living.

Keep common used items within reach.
Avoid over reaching and constant bending, by storing them at waist level
Maintain organization

Climbing Stairs

Inhale before taking the first strep. As you exhale, straighten your leg and raise your body to the next strep. Keep your feet flat as you step up.
Use railings for support. Strop and rest if you need to.
If you're carrying oxygen, try using a portable unit with a shoulder or hip strap. Or put the oxygen in a backpack.

Lifting and Carrying

Get close to the object you are lifting. Bend at the hips and knees if you need to. Inhale and get a good grip. Then, exhale as you lift, using your legs to raise both the object and your body.
Carry the load close to your body. Hold it so that you can see where you are going.

Pushing and Pulling

When you push something, move your whole body along with the object. For instance, hold the handle of the vacuum cleaner with both hands. Then walk with it to vacuum.
Sometimes pulling is easier than pushing. Try pulling an object such as an oxygen canister instead of pushing.

Breathing and Movement Integration

Breathing Techniques:

Pursed Lip breathing
Diaphragmatic Breathing

Use Body Mechanics

Maintain good posture
Keep objects near your center of gravity
Bend at the knees when lifting
Avoid twisting
Keep everything organized

Integrate

Exhale during work, inhale during rest

Simplifying Work

Adaptive Equipment

Shower bench -- increased humidity in shower can cause dispnea.
Long handled tools -- Stretching above your head or behind you, caused exertion.
Liquid soaps -- uses less energy than traditional soaps that you have to work up a lather.
Dust Masks -- Use these for dusting and vacuuming to avoid exacerbation.
Rolling carts -- use these for transferring many or heavy items. Reduce trips made.
Extra O2 tubing -- This will avoid dragging tanks around

Other Techniques

Dressing your lower half first.
Lifting feet for putting on socks and shoes instead of bending over.
use a fan when showering to disperse humidity.
Drag items as opposed to carrying.
Sit whenever you can
Rest Frequently.

Energy Conservation

Planning

Basic -

Time management helps from hourly to yearly.
Not only will it organize you, but it will help reduce stress.
Listing goals and jotting down information helps

General Planning Information -

Disperse energy consuming tasks throughout the day or week.
Discover if you are a "day or night" person for energy and motivation.
Getting resources for travel, vacations and supplies.

Shopping

Pick a stabler shopping cart. Lean on the cart to rest as you shop. If you use oxygen, put the unit in the cart.
Shop with a buddy or get help from a store clerk. Have this person get items from top and bottom shelves. If needed he/she can also go down detergent aisles for you so you can avoid any strong odors.
Shop fairly often so you can limit the number of items you need to purchase. This way you won't have as much to carry and put away.
Ask that your bags be packed light. If you need help loading your car, don't be afraid to ask.

Activity versus Rest

Active lifestyles through exercise, hobbies, social functions and personal involvement prevents depression, increases self esteem and strengthens relationships.

Setting personal time -- need to have "time out" and not let yourself evolve into an unwanted lifestyle.
Maintain balance -- between indoor and outdoor activities. strenuous vs relaxed, incorporate rest