These are tips from PHA members. If you have a tip you would like to add to the list, please submit it to the Guestbook.

1) Plan to do the jobs that require the most energy level when your energy level is highest, usually the mornings. Some meal preparation can be done earlier in the day when energy levels may be higher, cutting down on time needed to get dinner on the table. Do things you don't want to do in the morning while you have more energy to get it over with, so it doesn't bother you all day.

2) Take time to rest. Plan sit-down jobs, like folding clothes, for no-energy times.

3)To make the bed easier,pull all covers up on one side of the bed. Move to the other side to finish,eliminating the extra steps of going from side to side.

4) Retrieve dropped items, such as towels or clothing by sticking your foot under the items and lifting them up to a reachable level. Grabber tongs work well on smaller items. The long-handled grabber tongs can be lifesavers. They can be used in every room of your home, from the laundry room, removing clothes from the dryer to reaching high lightweight items in the closest and kitchen.

5) To avoid excessive bending, front-load clothes dryers can be placed on the cinder blocks for easier access.

6)To avoid difficulties of lifting and bending, place heavier pots and pans on shelves closest to waist level,and lighter items on the higher levels

7) Keep cupboards stocked with "quick-fix"food items,eg. sliced/grated cheese, instant puddings, jello instant rice/potatoes,canned tuna, chicken, dried beef, soups, as well as a supply of frozen dinners. Many prepared foods come canned. Many leftovers freeze well. Prepare double meals at one time, and the freeze portions for later use. Leftover meats and casserole dishes can be frozen and reheated for quick meals with a minimum of effort.

8) Keep daily medications in day-of-week pill compartment case to help eliminate missed or over-medication.

9) Place a wet bandana around the neck or a damp washcloth over your brow, if the heat bothers you. It can be very refreshing.

10) Whenever you get a new medication, ask for a complete explanation as to what it is for, side effects, dosage, frequency of dose and over what length of time. Jot the information down in your notepad for easy reference.

11) Don't be bashful about saying no. If you are asked to do a job that you know will end up being stressful or too tiring for say "no" You can say, "thank you for thinking of me , but i can't do it right now." KNOW you own limitations and the necessary decision as to what is right and good for you.

12) Do at least on thing you enjoy doing every day.

13) Always carry a book to read, puzzles to do to appointments, so if you have to wait, the time seems to go faster.

14) Get up 10 to 15 minutes early on the days you are going to leave home so you don't have to rush.

15) Plan ahead, but be flexible if things don't happen according to plan. That will help you keep your stress level down.

16) Make time for reflection and solitude(for thinking your own thoughts) every day.

17) Try journaling. Expressing yourself can be very therapeutic. No one ever need read what you have written, unless you choose to share it.

18) Make friends with "upbeat" people who enjoy life, laughing,loving but who don't wear you out with activities, which may be too strenuous,

19) If something bothers you and you can change it, do. If you can't change it, just let it go. Worrying only makes your health worse by affecting your breathing, causing the heart to be more active, which affects your lungs, which affects your breathing, which affects your health.

20) Make promises sparingly and them faithfully, even if it takes a long time to fulfill the promise. The important thing is not to have the promise "hanging over your head."

21) Always get enough sleep, but don't "vegetate" in bed all day.

22) Practice relaxation techniques to keep your breathing steady and normal and to keep your heart from excitation.

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