Health and Wellness
Conserving Energy
As anyone with MS knows, when energy conservation pops up in conversation, it's not an environmental issue. It's a personal struggle, one that must be managed daily to prevent overexertion and fatigue.
According to a recent compilation of studies on energy conservation and MS conducted by researchers at the College of St. Catherine, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, 75 to 90 percent of individuals with MS experience chronic fatigue and up to 50 percent identify it as their worst symptom. The good news is that studies show chronic fatigue can be prevented or lessened by reducing stress and exposure to heat, and most importantly, by learning to conserve energy.
According to Linda A. Lucuski, MPT, an administrator/physical therapist at Magee-MossRehab at Voorhees in Voorhees, New Jersey, people with MS must learn to conserve energy. Otherwise, their symptoms may worsen, limiting their ability to function while at work, home, and when participating in leisure activities. She adds that as a result, "individuals may have lessened mobility and decreased clarity of thought."
To follow are some tips to help conserve energy. Try at least a few of them so that you can enjoy your favorite activities and prevent symptoms from worsening while the mercury is still high.
Tips to Conserve Energy
Move Your Muscles. Certain types of "easy exercise," such as gardening and yoga (with your doctor's approval), have been shown to boost energy levels, reduce stress, improve joint range of motion, help manage spasticity, and increase strength. "You should also consider water exercise programs that are specific for people with MS," says Ms. Lucuski. "If your local fitness center or physical therapy facility does not offer such a program, ask them to consider initiating a program. Make sure that you conserve energy by taking the most direct route to the locker rooms. Wear your bathing suit to the pool to save time and energy."
Because of its natural buoyancy, water allows many men and women with MS to perform exercises they cannot do outside of the pool. Water exercise helps increase flexibility, strengthen the upper and lower extremities and trunk, improve ambulatory skills, increase coordination and balance, and condition the overall body to raise endurance levels and lessen fatigue. As with any exercise program, Ms. Lucuski says to start slowly with 15-minute exercise increments and to perform the exercises in a safe manner, stopping if symptoms worsen.
Take advantage of a scooter and rolling walker. Adam Roberts, director of MSAA's South-Central Regional Office in Mesquite, Texas explains, "I tell my clients that you only have a dollar's worth of energy to spend in a day. Try to conserve your energy to do something that you really want to do instead of something that you think you ought to do. For example, some people have a really negative view of using their scooters; but, if they used them, they would have more energy to do the things that they really love doing, such as spending time with family or shopping at the mall."
Pat Provance, PT, is a physical therapist at Kernan Hospital (part of the University of Maryland Medical System) and a member of MSAA's Healthcare Advisory Council. She suggests a rolling walker when traveling short distances. "Rolling walkers with large swivel wheels, a seat, and hand brakes can be extremely helpful when bilateral support is needed and endurance is limited," she notes.
Consider telecommuting. A great way to conserve energy is to reduce the amount of time spent traveling to and from work. Ask your employer about working part of the week from home. (For more information on telework and other ways to make work less taxing on your health, please see "Employ-ment Strategies," pages 9 to 23, in the Spring 2005 issue of The Motivator.)
Take fewer steps. "Try to take care of as many things as possible in one room to eliminate multiple trips," says Ms. Lucuski. "Make sure everything you need to prepare for the morning is accessible in your bedroom or bathroom. Consider carrying a bag or knapsack to move objects from one room to another. If you use a walker, attach a carry bag or basket to the walker."
Use adaptive aids. Reachers, dressing aids, and other adaptive equipment can significantly help conserve energy when dressing, bathing, and performing other household and personal activities. Many of these items may be obtained through MSAA's Equipment Distribution Program. Please call (800) 532-7667 for more information.
Consider shopping from home. Get out your catalogs and start dialing or ordering items online. Besides avoiding the crowds as well as the wear and tear on your body, you can try clothes on at your leisure when your energy level is highest. Many grocery stores also offer online ordering with either free delivery or a minimal charge for delivery.
Don't get overheated. This can cause fatigue. Wear your cool suit or other cooling device and try to go outside either early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are at their coolest. (For more information on cooling management techniques, please see Symptom Awareness on page 44.)
Learn to delegate. If cooking, shopping, cleaning, and doing the laundry saps your energy, talk with family members about sharing the load or consider hiring a cleaning or laundry service to take care of some of the chores. Let your family and friends know that you are counting on them for support, and tell them specifically what they can do to help. Remember, everyone benefits when your symptoms are lessened by conserving your energy.
-By Christine Norris
About the Author
A former editor of The Motivator, Christine Norris is now a freelance writer specializing in health and wellness issues.
Helpful Resources
The following publications are available through MSAA's Lending Library. Please see page 56 for more information.
Schwartz, S.P., 300 Tips for Making Life With Multiple Sclerosis Easier, Demos Publications Inc., New York, 1999.
Schapiro, Randall T., Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, Demos Publications Inc., New York, 2003.
Please note: Some of these books may be ordered through www.amazon.com or Barnes & Noble at www.bn.com. Barnes and Noble may also be reached by calling (800) 843-2665.
For More Information
For information on MSAA's Equipment Distribution Program (which provides mobility aids and assistive devices at no charge) and MSAA's Cooling Equipment Distribution Program (offering the free use of cooling garments and a variety of cooling accessories to individuals with MS) please call (800) 532-7667.
