Energy Conservation in MSduring the Holidays

Julie Huerbin, OTR/L, MSCSShepherd Center

Atlanta GA

MS Symptoms • Fatigue ***• Heat Intolerance• Cognition Impairment• Visual Deficits• Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction • Visual Disturbances• Muscle Weakness• Spasticity/ Spasms• Pain• Difficulty with Walking

Fatigue• Most Common Symptom- 80%• True “MS Fatigue” vs. “Tiredness”– MS Fatigue: Unexpected, overwhelming whole body

tiredness not relieved by sleep- usually worsens as day goes on

– Tiredness: Expected feeling after certain activities or at end of day

• Cause- Unknown?• Can be Controlled!

Factors That Impact Fatigue • Deconditioned/ Sedentary • Medications • Depression• Interrupted Sleep• Lack of Nutrition• Life style issues• Workplace Demands• Stress (+ or -)

• HEAT***

Managing Heat Intolerance • Cooling equipment (vests, headbands, wrist bands, etc.)• Fans • Ambient Temperature Settings• Time of Day• Slushy drinks• Clothing• Rest Breaks out of heat• Cool Showers• Exercise- Breaks

Energy Conservation• Definition: Refers to the reduction in the amount

of energy consumed by persons achieved through rational/ practical use.

• Monitor your energy (Money Bank=Energy Bank)– Deposits/ withdrawals made throughout day– Don’t use up all of the money (energy)!– Reserve money (energy) for activities you enjoy

Tips for Managing your Energy (Money Bank)

* The 5 P’s:

1. Planning:– Make a schedule– Organize proper rest periods– Spread out errands throughout week– BE REALISTIC!

2. Prioritize:– What tasks HAVE to be done?– What is most important to you?– Make list– DELEGATE!

The 5 P’s continued....3. Pacing:

– Balance activity/ rest– Time of day for more difficult tasks– Do not rush!– Try to complete a task before starting another

4. Position/ Posture:– Use good posture– Ergonomics– Avoid staying in one position– Sit while working

5. Power/ Labor Saving Devices: * Also called “Adaptive Devices” (see pictures of examples)

Adaptive Devices• Refers to all of the tools, products and devices

that can make functioning easier:– Mobility– Dressing– Grooming/ Bathing– Self Feeding/ Meal Prep– Communication

Mobility

• Shower/ Tub Chair

• Grab Bars

• Power or electric Wheelchair/ Scooter

• Wheeled Walker/ Rollator/Cane

• Orthotics

Dressing• Sock Aide

• Dressing Stick

• Reacher

• Long Handled Shoe Horn

• Button Hook

• Elastic Laces/ Velcro

– Built up handles (foam, rubber bands, straps)– Electric toothbrush/ razor– Hair Dryer Holder– Rocker Knife– Elecric Can Opener– Dycem– Plate Guard– Speakerphone– Card Holder/ Shuffler

Grooming– Long handled sponge

– Bath mit

– Long handled comb/ brush

– Adaptive toothbrush

– Pill boxes

Feeding• Plate Guard

• Built up handled utensils

• U-cuff

• Sippy cup/ long straw

• Dycem

• Electric can/ jar opener

Communication

• Adaptive writing utensils

• Wanchik

• U-cuff w/ right angle pocket

• Typing aide

• Voice Activated Systems

Energy Conservation during the Holidays!

• Shopping• Decorating• Family Visits• Meal Prep• Traveling

Shopping• Use lists• Shop during less busy hrs.• Shop in familiar stores• Use assistive device or scooter• Bring someone along• Most stores have option of free wrapping• Ask store employee to assist with carrying items to car• Online shopping?

Decorating

• Start early enough• Do a little at a time• Get help• Lightweight decoration• Artificial tree• Organize decorations

Meal Preparation• Plan ahead• Make list• Pre-made ingredients• Prep night before• Gather all supplies first• Get help• Electric kitchen appliances• Lightweight dishes• Rolling cart• Timer!• Set table night before

Family Visits• Have family contribute to meal by bringing dish

(potluck)• Plan ahead and increase space in your home as much as

possible:– Push furniture to the walls– Designate “walking traffic” area– Designate space for gifts, food, etc.

• Don’t get OVERWHELMED!• Take a “time out”

• Don’t overschedule visits- prioritize• Watch alcohol consumption and food

intake

Traveling• Make lists• Pack ahead of time• Carry on!• If traveling by air, make prior accomodations to get

assistance navigating through airport• Get to airport early enough!• Consider taxi to airport• If traveling by land, plan short/quick rest stops OR

overnight stays if needed• Rolling/ lightweight suitcase

Thank You!Have a Safe and Energy Conserving

Holiday Season !!