January / February 2000 Table of Contents
In this Article
Heart disease has a major impact on an individual's quality of life. It
can lead to discomfort or chronic pain, activity limitations, disability
and unemployment. "An estimated 345,000 Canadians aged 35 to 64 reported
living with heart disease. More than a third (36%) of these reported needing
help with household tasks or personal care" (Heart and Stroke Foundation
of Canada, 1999). Heart disease requires lifestyle changes to prevent
progression of the disease, further cardiac events and activity restrictions.
An occupational therapist in conjunction with other team members will help you determine what activities you can safely perform and how to modify activities to decrease the amount of energy required. This is important in achieving the maximum result from a limited exercise capacity.
Try these occupational therapy strategies…
1. Use body mechanics: Smooth, rhythmic and repetitive motions are easier on your heart. Remember to breathe regularly. Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects. Sit to work whenever possible, for example when ironing or chopping vegetables. Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects. Slide objects or use a cart if possible. Change position frequently; this allows different muscles to work, increases circulation and prevents fatigue.
2. Simplify tasks: Break the activity into small steps, i.e. preparation, activity, clean-up and final phase. Take frequent small breaks throughout the activity rather than fewer long rest periods. Adjust work heights and areas to fit you. The most frequently used items should be located between waist and chest heights. Avoid working with arms above shoulder level.
3. Remember physical conditioning: Follow a regular cardiovascular exercise programme as approved by your physician. An important element in maintaining cardiovascular activities is enjoyment; be creative - park a distance from work and walk in, join a mall walking program, exercise with a friend.
4. Recognize emotions: Anger, frustration, anxiety, and stress all increase the heart rate. Be aware of what creates stress for you and how you handle it. Try not to bottle up feelings - build your supports and talk to them. Decide on your priorities and learn when to say "No". Pay attention to the activities that are stressful and schedule yourself accordingly, i.e. avoid unnecessary driving in rush hour and bad weather. Get enough sleep, rest, and maintain healthy eating habits. Work off tension appropriately.
Lifestyle Changes
An occupational therapist can assist you in setting your goals and making
necessary lifestyle changes for what you perceive healthy work, home and
leisure environments. BUT, the important question you have to ask yourself
is :
What activities and which occupations (work, self-care, rest/sleep and leisure) are important for ME NOW? Important means what is good, real, beautiful, special and WHY?
THEN you will be able to recognise what is important and you will:
- Rebalance work, self-care, rest and sleep, and leisure domains of activities.
- Find some usual activities will not seem that important anymore.
- Find some others were never important and now became first priority.
Consider self-care activities
Household activities
Make a weekly timetable including all the activities that you do (i.e. cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping). Consider the following in planning a schedule: the value that you attach to the activity or task, your strength and endurance needed, time for rest periods and exercise, the best time of the day for the activities, available assistance from family, friends or the community.Eating habits
How could I be organized to eat better after a day of work? Plan a five day dinner program, cook on a day off, and freeze!Physical activities
Integrate physical activities into your day. Walk to work, take the stairs and visit your neighbourhood streets. It is a wonderful way to realize and be part of the transformation of seasons.Consider rest and sleep
How do I feel with my new need to rest, to stop and to let go a bit of what I am use to doing?Consider leisure activities
What did I use to like? Is it still safe for me? What else did I always want to try out? Is it the right time now?Consider work
What is the distance and travel time from home to work? What type of transportation do you use? What are your job responsibilities, work hours, and the physical and mental demands of the job. There are many considerations for a safe return-to-work in addition to your physical capacity. An occupational therapist can perform a work visit and recommend modifications to the tasks or environment to accommodate you. This includes not only physical requirements, such as the repetition, standing or reaching, but also the psychological demands, such as pressure and the opportunity to plan or schedule work tasks. A gradual return-to-work program can help increase your tolerances within safe limits. To delegate is helpful. To say "no" to your boss or colleagues is giving you a chance to feel closer to your own needs.
Heart disease risk factors
- diabetes
- age
- smoking
- hypertension
- cholesterol level
- obesity
- sedentary lifestyles
- psychosocial factors (stress)
- family history
- menopause
Contacts
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
222 Queen Street, Suite 1402,
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V9
Tel: (613) 569-4361 o Fax: (613) 569-3278
web site: www.hsf.ca
Cardiac rehabilitation programs can enhance and maintain cardiovascular health. The benefits include functional capacity, smoking cessation, slowing of the progression of atheroscleroric disease, improvement in psychological well-being and overall quality of life (Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, 1999).
For more information, contact:
Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation
1390 Taylor Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3V8
Tel (204) 488-8023 ext. 230 Fax: (204) 488-4819
web site: www.cacr.ca
Thank you to Claire-Jehanne Dubouloz, O.T., Ph.D., Professor, Occupational Therapy Programme, University of Ottawa, for her valuable contribution.
For further information, contact: CAOT Director of Professional Practice,
1 (800) 434-2268, ext. 237 or e-mail: dtoalsullivan@caot.ca
© CAOT Publications ACE 1999
January / February 2000 Table of Contents
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