OT provides more than injury recovery

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- University of Southern California students wanting help to quit smoking or reduce clutter can get help from occupational therapists, college officials say.

Carlin Daley, assistant professor of clinical occupational therapy, said private occupational therapists sessions were available for little or no charge to USC students who have enrolled in the USC Student Health Insurance Plan, have signed up for other insurance plans that provide coverage or have registered with Disability Services and Programs, part of the Division of Student Affairs.

In addition to treating physical disability due to injury or aging, occupational therapists can help students manage time, improve focus, lose weight, quit smoking, reduce clutter, cope with headaches or optimize life balance.

"Occupational therapists are very client-centered, so we're going to work toward whatever your goals are," Daley said in a statement.

During the 2011-2012 academic year, USC occupational therapists saw about 70 students from the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.

The occupational therapists use Lifestyle Redesign, a technique developed at the USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, which removes counterproductive habits and incorporates positive routines into daily life.

"Lifestyle Redesign is looking at overall lifestyle, habits and routines and helping people acquire more health-promoting habits," Daley said. "It's like a health coaching model in that way: We check in and see if they're doing what they want to be doing and making progress in the way they want."