The Designed Life**

The basis of The Designed Life's approach is rooted in the ideas of prevention and health promotion, which is at the forefront of health care discussions today. I believe that every person has the right, and therefore should have the opportunity, to live a healthy, fulfilling life that promotes overall wellness of the mind, body, and spirit. 

The idea of working as an occupational therapist under the umbrella of Lifestyle Redesign*, a program created by the University of Southern California’s Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, is probably one of the most exciting and intriguing career opportunities I can think of. The Lifestyle Redesign* program was first tested in a study of well elderly individuals. It was found that one of the greatest benefits of this initiative is its flexibility. There are numerous opportunities to customize this program for individuals. A few examples are:

• Weight Management 
• Life Coaching
• Executive Health & Risk Assessments
• College Students 
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Smoking Cessation
• Pain Management

This type of programming incorporates the values, roles, habits, and routines of the individual, rather than just looking solely at the “issues” the person has. This approach to health looks at the individual from all perspectives, therefore creating a greater opportunity for long lasting changes and success for the individual.

If you are interested in making changes in your life, please contact us for more information about our programming, and check my blog frequently for information that can help you choose the life you want!

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The Designed Life - Choose the Life You Want!

* Lifestyle Redesign is a registered trademark of the University of Southern California's Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy programs.

** Information relating to this post was obtained from the following resource:

Salles-Jordan, K. (2007). Community health promotion programs using USC Lifestyle

Redesign*. Special Interest Section: Home & Community Health, 14(2), 1-4.

Sneaky Smoothie Recipes

Homemade smoothies are a great way to help you get in your daily fruit servings. But, did you know this delicious treat can also help you get in some servings of veggies as well? Just a handful of baby spinach added to your smoothie is a quick & easy way to add in extra nutrients while also crossing a serving of veg off your list for the day!

For my smoothies, I typically use frozen fruit - more affordable, especially during the off-season - but always put in fresh fruit when I have it. I simply toss about a cup of fruit into a blender, add a cup of juice (apple, orange, pomegranate, etc.), and a cup of yogurt - you can use fruit or plain. I like to use this yogurt, because it has an amazing amount of protein. Add some flax meal or your own ground flax seeds, your handful of spinach, and a few cubes of ice. Then simply blend and enjoy!

You can adjust the recipe to your taste, and feel free to get creative with your combinations! You can certainly find all sorts of smoothie recipes online, too. You're only limited by your imagination!!!
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The Designed Life - Choose the Life You Want!

Welcome

Welcome to The Designed Life. This blog is an opportunity for me to share my knowledge of lifestyle design in the hopes of helping you make changes in your life that lead to long-term benefits and success.

Lifestyle design is a powerful, effective process that relies on your own values, beliefs, and motivation to make positive changes in your life. Whether you're looking to lose weight, stop smoking, get in shape, become more productive, or simply make a long-lasting change in your life, The Designed Life offers a wealth of information to enhance your lifestyle choices that enhance your overall quality of life.

You're encouraged to stop back often, as The Designed Life will be updated regularly with a wide variety of information to help you make positive changes in you life.
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The Designed Life - Choose the Life You Want!