Patient Energy Conservation to Facilitate Increased Independence

Energy conservation techniques are beneficial for all patients who have been in the hospital and present with decreased functional activity tolerance and for patients with chronic illnesses. There are four principles of energy conservation.

1. Prioritize – determine what needs to be done right away and what can be done later. When the patient has multiple things that must be done, they should start with the most important task to ensure it gets done.
2. Plan – patients should gather all needed items before starting a task and plan out the activity to avoid the need to make extra trips. It is also a good idea for patients to plan on alternating heavy tasks and light tasks. They should plan activities throughout the week to avoid doing too much in any one day. It may be helpful for patients to post a schedule of when they are doing which tasks and remind them of tasks that other people are helping them to complete throughout the week. It is also helpful to plan on getting plenty of rest each night as that will help patients throughout the day. Patients should ask for help for tasks requiring too much energy. This help can be from friends or family or paid assistance if needed.
3. Pace – patients should complete all tasks slowly and steadily without rushing. They should build rest breaks into their activities and take a break before they get too fatigued. Patients should try to avoid holding their breath and focus on pursed-lip breathing. They should breathe through their nose for 2 seconds and then blow out from their mouth for 4 seconds. This technique is like smelling roses and then blowing out a candle. Patients should be sure to listen to their bodies and should not try to push themselves beyond their limits.
4. Position – patients should avoid bending and reaching too much as that can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. Adaptive equipment (AE) items such as reachers, sock aids, and long-handled shoehorns can allow patients to complete self-care tasks without bending over. Patients will get more oxygen into their lungs by maintaining an upright posture while sitting and standing. Patients should take seated rest periods when they can, reducing energy use by 25% (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

There are many energy conservation recommendations and tips that patients can use during all activities of daily living (ADLs). It is helpful to organize and lay out clothing at night to prepare for the next day. Patients should start with lower body dressing as it uses more energy. Using AE such as reachers, sock aids, or long-handled shoe horns will decrease the need to bend over. If patients have one arm or leg that is weaker, they should dress that side first. When undressing, patients should take out the stronger and more mobile arm or leg. Patients should try to wear clothing that is easy to don and doff; for example, Velcro may be easier to use than small buttons or clasps (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

It is helpful to avoid using scented products such as hair products and lotions as they can irritate the patient’s lungs and lead to shortness of breath. Using warm water instead of hot water during bathing will prevent steam and condensation from causing shortness of breath. Durable medical equipment (DME) such as a shower bench, bath stool or grab bar can make bathing easier and safer. A terry cloth robe can be used to conserve energy instead of drying off with a towel (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

When planning a trip to the grocery store, patients should be sure to prepare a list of needed items. Patients can organize the list by sections of the store or aisles, if possible, to decrease the time spent on additional aisles which are not needed. Using a shopping cart to transport items rather than carrying them in a basket will conserve energy. If patients are transporting their groceries, they should keep the load in each bag light by only filling it up halfway. Patients could also shop with someone who can help them carry the bags. When possible, patients should avoid going to the grocery store when it will be busy to decrease the wait time for checkout. If it is available, patients could also consider using a delivery service for groceries or a store pickup option in which the workers will shop for them and then load the groceries into their vehicle (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

When preparing to complete housework, patients should start with a list and divide activities to be done throughout the week. For major jobs, they should try only to plan to do one each day – such as laundry or changing the sheets on their bed. They should try to balance heavy and light tasks to avoid over-exertion. It is also helpful to clean one room at a time rather than traveling between rooms while cleaning. Another helpful recommendation is to have a trash can in each room to avoid walking to one trash can in the home. If possible, patients should buy multiple cleaning items to store one in each area of their home. For example, they can keep a bottle of sink cleaner in the bathroom and the kitchen. If the patient has multiple levels of their home, they could also have a vacuum on each level (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

When making the bed, they should complete one side at a time to avoid having to walk around the entire bed multiple times. They can sit for tasks such as changing the pillowcases. When cleaning, patients should try to avoid spray cleaners as they may irritate their lungs and impact their breathing. Patients should sit or kneel to clean the bathtub when possible rather than standing and leaning over. When washing dishes, patients should allow them to air dry in a dish rack/strainer rather than towel dry them. Using dustpans and cleaning sponges with long handles will decrease the need to bend over (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

As a general recommendation during housekeeping – patients should have their work right in front of them rather than reaching to the side and sliding objects when they can rather than lifting them. If housekeeping tasks are becoming too difficult, patients should consider asking for help from family or friends or hiring a housekeeper (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

When cooking or baking, planning and breaking down tasks into steps is helpful, patients should try to gather all needed ingredients and cooking utensils before beginning the task of cooking. When possible, patients should make larger portions to freeze the extra to reheat later. Patients should use cookware and dishes that are lightweight and easier to carry. Using paper plates and cups will eliminate the need for washing dishes. Electrical appliances such as can openers and dishwashers can help patients conserve energy. Patients should try to buy easy-to-prepare dishes or frozen meals. If it is available, they can use a meal delivery service (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013).

Fatigue is one of the only predictable symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It results from muscle weakness and spasticity. People with ALS often complain of tiredness, decreased strength, and an overall lack of energy. With effective management, the symptoms of fatigue can be minimized. People with ALS can improve their overall quality of life by learning the signs of fatigue, which factors worsen fatigue symptoms, and how to conserve their energy (ALS Association, 2019).

The noticeable signs of fatigue typically include:

• slower movement of the body
• slower verbal responses with short answers
• lower volume of speaking
• dull voice tone
• shortness of breath
• sighing
• decreased eating
• irritability
• anxiety
• crying spells
• lack of smiling
• lack of enjoyment with previously enjoyed experiences

lack of caring about previously important things (ALS Association, 2019).

Other noticeable signs may include:

• a decline in visual appearance and grooming
• forgetfulness
• preference for being alone versus with others
• lack of decision-making abilities with daily activities (ALS Association, 2019)

Many factors may exacerbate fatigue, including immobility, overexertion, disruption in sleep, pain, excessive weight loss, protein malnutrition, and weakness with breathing (ALS Association, 2019)

Other factors that exacerbate fatigue include:

• stress
• anxiety
• feeling hopeless
• grief
• extreme weather conditions
• alcohol
• smoking
• lack of people to assist when needed
• lack of financial means to make life easier
• inaccessible home environment
• some medications – such as:
  • tranquilizers
  • sedatives
  • pain relievers
  • antihistamines
  • muscle relaxers (ALS Association, 2019)

Some anti-fatigue strategies helpful for ALS patients include learning methods to make all tasks easier. This strategy may include using assistive devices or adaptive equipment such as a motorized wheelchair to decrease the exertion required for functional mobility compared with a manual wheelchair (ALS Association, 2019).

Patients need to pace themselves and take rest periods often. Becoming breathless during a task should indicate that it is time to stop. Patients should save enough energy to enjoy at least one valuable experience daily. It is important to alternate activities with rest periods. A handicapped parking sticker will decrease the distance patients have to walk when going to appointments or shopping. The department of motor vehicles (DMV) has a form that can be completed by the patient’s physician (ALS Association, 2019).

Patients should try to establish a regular pattern of sleep. If a patient wakes up at night, they should try to determine why and find a possible solution. Patients should avoid prolonged bathing in warm water, which can worsen muscle fatigue. Patients should ensure they meet their nutritional requirements every day and consult a dietician if needed to avoid unnecessary weight loss. Patients should avoid stressful situations whenever possible (ALS Association, 2019).

It is helpful if the patient’s family members understand the symptoms of fatigue and do not take any of their emotional upsets personally. Patients should notify their doctor if they feel noticeably weaker or have difficulty breathing after taking a medication. They should ensure that their living environment is accessible for daily activities and is set up to promote energy conservation. Social isolation, quick physical deterioration, and unnecessary hardship can result if patients fail to manage their fatigue. Effectively managing symptoms will allow them to maximize their wellness and capabilities to improve their overall quality of life (ALS Association, 2019).

Patients with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) can also benefit from energy conservation techniques. They should plan for periods of rest. If the patient has swelling in their feet or ankles, they should elevate their legs when resting or sitting for extended periods. They should avoid working long days and rest in between leisure activities. Conserving their energy will involve using less energy with daily activities to have more energy to complete additional activities throughout the day. This plan may involve the patient cutting down on some activities or incorporating the use of energy-saving assistive devices or techniques. Patients should discuss their limitations if completing self-care and home care activities become too tiring (Cleveland Clinic, 2019).

Patients with COPD should simplify tasks and set realistic goals. They should understand that tasks do not have to be completed the same way they have always completed them. All activities – including housework, exercise, and leisure activities – should be planned ahead of time and spaced out throughout the day. Patients should avoid scheduling too many activities on any one day. Activities that take the most energy should be completed at the time of the day when patients feel their best and have the most energy to expend. Rest periods can be used before and after activities as needed. Patients must stop and rest as soon as they feel tired during an activity. They should not wait until the activity is completed before they take a rest period. The activity may need to be finished later in the day or on another day (Cleveland Clinic, 2019).

Patients should rest for 20-30 minutes after a meal. When needed, patients should ask family and friends for help with tasks. It is important to get a good night’s sleep with the elevation of their head while sleeping. While rest periods throughout the day are important, patients should not nap too much during the day to allow for good sleep at night (Cleveland Clinic, 2019).

All daily activities that can be completed while sitting should be completed, such as shaving, drying their hair, etc. Assistive devices should be used as needed – such as a walker, a shower chair, a hand-held shower head, a bedside commode, a long-handled dressing stick, a shoehorn or a sock aid. Patients should wear clothing with zippers or buttons in the front when possible to avoid having to reach behind them for dressing (Cleveland Clinic, 2019).

Patients can navigate stairs if their doctor says it is acceptable. They may need to rest partway up the steps if they become too fatigued. Activities should be arranged to avoid ascending and descending the stairs many times throughout the day. Patients with COPD should avoid extreme physical activity. They should not push, pull or lift heavy objects (over 10 pounds) to avoid having to strain (Cleveland Clinic, 2019).

Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). 75-95% of all people with MS have fatigue, with 50-60% reporting that fatigue is one of their worst problems. Fatigue is one of the major reasons for unemployment among people with MS. Fatigue is defined as a lack of physical energy, mental energy, or both. MS-related fatigue is different. People have more “off” days than “on” days. Patients with MS should ask themselves whether their fatigue interferes with their everyday activities or overall quality of life. If the answer is yes, they should notify their doctor. There are two general types of fatigue. Chronic, persistent fatigue refers to lethargy or exhaustion, which limits activities and goes on for more than six weeks, more than half of the days, during some portion of the day (National MS Society, 2012).

Acute fatigue is the lethargy that limits activities and has either appeared for the first time or has become noticeably worse over the last six weeks. Acute fatigue may be an early warning sign that other MS symptoms will flare up or worsen. Although fatigue is common in MS, MS may not be the reason or possibly the only reason patients feel tired (National MS Society, 2012).

Many factors can cause or contribute to feeling fatigued. Another medical condition, such as a minor infection, could cause increased fatigue. Heat and humidity can lead to fatigue. Some medications have fatigue as a possible side effect. Sleep problems – including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting the right kind of sleep can prevent patients from feeling rested when they wake up. Stress can make everyone feel tired, especially those whose lives are already stressful due to MS. This stress can also include happy occasions such as holidays or weddings, which cause increased stress. Depression and anxiety can cause fatigue in everyone; these conditions are common in patients with MS (National MS Society, 2012).

There are several broad categories of MS-related fatigue. In fatigue related to mobility problems, daily activities that require physical effort may be exhausting for patients with MS, especially those with leg weakness. In fatigue related to respiratory problems, MS can affect breathing, making daily activities especially tiring. Primary MS fatigue is the category that remains when all other causes of fatigue have either been ruled out or treated with success (National MS Society, 2012).

Spasticity medications for MS can cause increased fatigue, so patients on those medications should speak with their doctor if they believe their symptoms may be related to the medication. Smoking puts extra stress on the lungs, making fatigue worse and compounding the effects of MS. For this reason, patients with MS should be educated on smoking cessation. Eating a well-balanced diet that is low in fat can provide energy and help combat fatigue symptoms (National MS Society, 2012).

Patients with MS should plan their day around their natural body rhythms and try to establish a sleep schedule. They should schedule the activities that must be completed when they have the most energy. Drinking warm milk 30 minutes before bedtime may help with sleep. If the patient has been trying to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes, they should get out of bed and complete a quiet activity until they feel tired and then try again to fall asleep. Patients with MS should save their energy for activities that are most important to them. They should set priorities, eliminate low priority tasks, and focus their energy on the high priority tasks. A 10 to 30-minute nap can give fatigued muscles a break and provide replenished energy (National MS Society, 2012).

It is important to drink plenty of water and other chilled drinks to keep their body temperature in a comfortable zone and avoid overheating. Cool showers, being near an air conditioner, swimming or participating in pool therapy, and wearing lightweight clothes can help stay cool and comfortable. A proper exercise program should increase the patient’s energy level and not completely diminish it. Patients should save their exercise for planned sessions and not use energy in situations where it can be saved. For example, they should take the elevator and not the stairs whenever possible. Deep breathing, visualization, yoga, and tai chi are all relaxation exercises patients can learn to complete independently (National MS Society, 2012).

Cancer-related fatigue is different from other types of fatigue. Patients with cancer may describe their fatigue as feeling weak, listless, or drained. It can cause the patients to feel too tired to complete daily activities such as eating or walking to the bathroom. This cancer-related fatigue can make it hard for the patient to think or move. It does not go away with rest. Managing fatigue is an important part of good cancer care, so patients should be open and honest with their care providers regarding their fatigue and how it impacts their daily lives (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Cancer-related fatigue can last anywhere from months to years and often continues after cancer treatment has ended. Fatigue often worsens at the beginning of chemotherapy treatment and then gets better until the next treatment. Fatigue typically gets worse throughout radiation treatment. Cancer-related fatigue can vary greatly daily, and it can be overwhelming for patients. The causes of cancer-related fatigue are not well understood. The symptoms can result from cancer or cancer treatment (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Cancer, as well as cancer treatment, can alter normal protein and hormone levels which are linked to inflammatory processes which could cause or worsen fatigue. Cancer treatment destroys both normal and cancerous cells, which can lead to a build-up of cell waste that requires extra energy from the body to eliminate. Cancer creates toxic substances in the body that alter the way normal cells function. In many cases, fatigue has more than one cause (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Some common causes of cancer-related fatigue include:

• anemia, pain
• emotional distress
• sleep problems
• medications
• poor nutrition
• lack of exercise
• alcohol or recreational drug use
• other medical problems such as:
  • digestive issues
  • infections
  • dehydration
  • low thyroid function (American Cancer Society, 2018)

Patients with cancer must plan their day to include times for rest. They should take short naps or rest periods, each lasting 30 minutes or less, instead of taking one long nap during the day. Too long of a rest period or nap can lower their overall energy level and make it difficult to sleep well at night. It is common for patients to have sleep problems while being treated for cancer. They may have trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Certain medications used to treat pain, nausea, or depression can lead to tiredness. Patients should speak with their cancer team if they are tired all the time as medication dosage changes or changing to another medication can help. It is a good goal to sleep 7-8 hours each night – including going to sleep and waking at the same time to establish a healthy sleep routine and avoiding caffeine in beverages, medications, or foods for at least 8 hours before bedtime should help them sleep better (American Cancer Society, 2018).

While exercise is important, patients with cancer should avoid exercising too late in the evening. Moderate levels of exercise regularly, especially walking, can decrease fatigue and help sleep better. If they still have trouble sleeping, they may benefit from working with a mental health professional to address sleep issues. Energy conservation is a way that patients with cancer can ensure they have enough energy to do what they need every day. They may need to accept the reality that they may not be able to do everything they want (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Prioritizing daily tasks in order of importance should be the first step. They should plan and space out activities throughout the day. Completing tasks slowly will allow them to save energy complete tasks once they begin. It is important to remember to incorporate rest periods between daily activities. Patients with cancer should ensure they do not stand for activities too long or do not complete activities, including bathing, in extremely hot or cold temperatures. They should sit whenever possible to complete activities. Using a shower chair and a chair in the bathroom at the sink can help with activities of daily living. They should store frequently used items within easy reach. Patients with cancer should ask others for assistance for activities that are too taxing, such as lawn mowing or vacuuming. This action will not only allow the patient to conserve energy, but it will also help family and friends to feel that they are truly helping. When asking for assistance, family and friends are given specific things to do. It may be helpful to have someone who can assist with coordinating assistance in case there are times when the patient is too fatigued to even ask for help (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Cancer treatment can impact how patients eat or swallow and how things taste. This impact can make it difficult to eat well. Patients with cancer must eat enough to provide energy and to allow their bodies to heal. Dehydration can worsen fatigue, so patients with cancer must get at least 8 cups of fluids daily. They should also include fiber, protein and fat with every meal and snack to keep their blood sugar levels stable and have a sustained feeling of energy (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Having cancer is stressful. Cancer treatment leads to even more stress. Patients must discuss their stress levels with their cancer care team. They may benefit from joining a support group, counseling, stress management training, or relaxation exercises to help overcome their feelings of fatigue. Distraction can be a great way for patients with cancer to cope with fatigue. They can use music, reading a book, or having relaxing visits with family or friends to distract themselves from their feelings of fatigue without utilizing too much energy (American Cancer Society, 2018).

Many recommendations can help patients with cancer in completing activities of daily living. They must plan to avoid rushing and allow themselves plenty of time to complete daily activities. Sitting to bathe and dry off will conserve energy. Another helpful tip is to don a terry cloth robe instead of using a towel to dry off. It is helpful to use a shower organizer to minimize the need to lean over or reach too far. Long-handled brushes and sponges can help with washing their feet and backs. Grab bars in the bathroom can be helpful, as well as the use of an elevated toilet seat can conserve energy by decreasing the need to sit too low when using the toilet (University of California, 2019).

It is helpful to lay out clothing and toiletry items before dressing. To decrease the need to lean over to put on clothing and shoes, patients should bring their feet to their knees if possible, don socks and shoes, and thread their legs through their pants and underwear. If they cannot cross their legs in that manner, adaptive equipment such as reachers, sock aids, and shoehorns can help with lower body dressing. Comfortable shoes with low heels and slip-on style are preferred. For female patients with cancer, it is helpful to fasten their bra in the front and then move it around to the back. Shirts that button in the front is easier to don than pullover shirts (University of California, 2019).

Whenever possible, patients should complete home modifications to assist with energy conservation. For example, patients should place chairs throughout their homes to allow seated rest periods as needed (University of California, 2019).

The following are tips for energy conservation during housekeeping:

• It is important to schedule chores throughout the week rather than trying to complete them all in one day.
• Whenever possible, patients should complete housework while sitting down.
• Dusters, mops, etc., with long handles, can save energy.
• A cart with wheels or an apron can carry cleaning supplies.
• Patients should request assistance with heavy housework tasks, shopping, laundry, or childcare when they can.
• It saves energy by sliding objects rather than lifting them.
• When it is necessary to lift objects, patients should squat and lift with their leg muscles rather than using their back.
• It is helpful to complete ironing while sitting.
• It is vital to stop working before patients become too fatigued (University of California, 2019).

The following are helpful tips for shopping:

• When creating a shopping list, it is helpful to organize the list by aisle or section of the store.
• A grocery cart can be used for support while walking throughout the store.
• It is helpful to shop at less busy times of the day.
• Patients with cancer should request assistance with getting into the car if needed.
• It is helpful to buy clothes that do not need to be ironed (University of California, 2019).

The following tips are helpful for meal preparation for patients with cancer:

• Choose convenient and easy-to-prepare foods whenever possible.
• It is helpful to use small appliances that take less effort, such as a microwave instead of the stovetop.
• Patients should complete environmental modifications within their kitchen to create easy access to items used most frequently.
• Whenever possible, patients should prepare meals while sitting down.
• It is helpful to soak dishes instead of scrubbing them to get them clean.
• Allowing dishes to air dry will save energy rather than towel drying them.
• When cooking, double recipes and freeze half of the meal to be reheated for a future meal.
• Patients with cancer should also consider using a meal delivery service such as Project Open Hand or Meals on Wheels (University of California, 2019).

The following recommendations will assist patients with cancer with childcare:

• They should plan activities that can be completed while sitting down, such as drawing/coloring pictures, playing board or card games, reading books, or playing computer games.
• Patients should encourage children to climb on their lap or into a highchair rather than picking them up.
• It is helpful to make a game out of completing household chores to encourage children to participate.
• When needed, ask for assistance with childcare (University of California, 2019).

Patients with cancer who are still working should plan their workload to take advantage of times of the day when they have the most energy. Whenever possible, they should alternate work tasks that are physically demanding with less taxing activities. Patients should arrange their workspace to allow them to access the most commonly used equipment and supplies easily. It is important to continue completing leisure activities, especially with a friend. When choosing an activity, patients should plan one based on how much energy they have at that time. They should balance activities with rest breaks (University of California, 2019).

Fatigue is a major issue for patients with post-polio syndrome (PPS). Patients with PPS report that fatigue is the most persistent and debilitating symptom they experience. It can affect their ability to work, mobility, and overall quality of life (RRTC, 2011).

In adults without chronic disease or disability, fatigue is typically reduced when they retire due to a decline in overall stress. However, for patients with disabilities, including PPS, their fatigue typically remains the same or gets worse as they age. Assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology can help to protect weak muscles in patients with PPS and may include braces, canes, walkers, or power wheelchairs (RRTC, 2011).

Self-management refers to methods, skills, and strategies which effectively guide activities to achieve a goal or objective. For patients with a chronic disease or illness, self-management helps them overcome the physical and emotional issues caused by their disease to achieve their highest possible quality of life and maximize their physical capabilities (RRTC, 2011).

Concerning fatigue, patients can manage their activity level by planning and scheduling daily tasks, setting priorities, pacing, and requesting assistance when needed. While patients with PPS were traditionally told to minimize exercise to conserve their energy, current research has shown that patient-centered gentle exercise programs can be beneficial (RRTC, 2011).

Mrs. Jones is a 57-year-old female who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is divorced, and her children are both grown and married, so she lives alone. Her daughter and son-in-law live nearby and try to be supportive. Mrs. Jones has difficulty completing even the most basic daily tasks without feeling exhausted. She finally decided to speak with her cancer treatment team, and they recommended that she meet with an occupational therapist (OT) to discuss energy conservation techniques.

The OT completes a home assessment with Mrs. Jones and determines that she would benefit from a tub transfer bench to help her transfer into and out of the bathtub and provide her with a place to sit while bathing. The OT also recommends a shower organizer for Mrs. Jones to store her shampoo and body wash without reaching overhead to retrieve them while bathing. The OT provides her with a long-handled bath sponge to help her wash her feet and back. Mrs. Jones reports that she also gets fatigued when drying off after showers, so the OT recommends that she purchase a terry cloth robe and take a 30-minute rest period in the robe after the shower to decrease the need to use a towel to dry herself off.

Mrs. Jones reports to the OT that is going downstairs to complete laundry is one of the most exhausting tasks she has completed since being diagnosed with cancer. They decide that Mrs. Jones will ask her daughter to complete laundry once a week to decrease the need for her to complete this activity. This plan will allow her daughter to truly help Mrs. Jones as she has been asking every day what she can do to help her mother. Mrs. Jones also reports that cooking has been difficult for her, but she loves to cook. They decide that she will use her slow cooker to prepare meals whenever possible and make a double batch so she can save half in the freezer to reheat. When she does cook at the stove, the OT recommends that she move her barstool to the stove to sit when cooking stovetop meals. At the end of the visit with the OT, Mrs. Jones reports that she is worried about mowing her lawn when springtime comes again. She loves her home and enjoys being able to watch the wildlife on her front lawn.

Healthcare providers can utilize their knowledge of energy conservation techniques to assist patients with debilitating conditions, such as ALS or MS, with managing their fatigue to improve their overall quality of life and allow them to remain as independent as possible with desired daily tasks. Energy conservation techniques can also benefit all patients who may experience fatigue due to generalized weakness, decreased endurance, or prolonged hospitalizations.

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• American Cancer Society. What is Cancer-related Fatigue? October 22, 2018. Accessed December 17, 2019. Visit Source.
• Cleveland Clinic. COPD: Conserving Your Energy. 2019. Accessed December 9, 2019. Visit Source.
• National MS Society. Fatigue: What You Should Know. 2012. Accessed December 13, 2019. Visit Source.
• Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Aging with a Physical Disability. Aging Well with Post-Polio Syndrome: Don’t Take Fatigue Lying Down. 2011. Accessed December 28, 2019. Visit Source.
• St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Energy Conservation. November 2013. Accessed November 11, 2019. Visit Source.
• University of California San Francisco. Tips for Conserving Your Energy. 2019. Accessed December 23, 2019. Visit Source.