Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Announces LifeSteps LifeStyle Change Program

Submitted by Lesley Price, RD, CD, Population Health Program, for Thurston County Public Health & Social Services

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services (TCPHSS) is proud to continue a new public health initiative from our Population Health Program for our community, LifeSteps LifeStyle Change Program.  LifeSteps is a 16-week in-person program series for adults based on five components: nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, small group support and personal lifestyle change.  TCPHSS is offering this program free to participants!

LifeSteps® is a researched-based cognitive-behavioral nutrition and lifestyle program.  It is a program that helps participants change their thoughts to be more positive, by changing negative attitudes, and create tiny habits that can improve their health.  Or simply put – a program that helps you make lifelong, positive improvements in your minds and bodies!

Some examples of behavior modifications (new habits) that can be made to help create these sustainable improvements in our minds and bodies include:

• Positive self-talk (affirmations). Instead of beating yourself up for eating that bowl of ice cream after dinner – praise yourself for the new habit you are working on of taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.
• Daily WOWs – focus on one thing that went that went well each day (encouraging non health related – life is more than just healthy eating and physical activity)

• Instead of circling the grocery store parking lot in your car 3 times looking for a close place to park – park farther away and walk if you are able.
• Instead of having a sitting meeting at work, do some walking meetings.
• Instead of eating on a 10.5 to 12-inch dinner plate, dig out your Grandma’s China which likely has a 9-inch dinner plate (portions have increased significantly over the years).

Each of the 16 weeks in the program you will take one small, achievable step to create a personal action plan that leads to a healthier version of yourself.  You will be provided guidance on what is included in a more nutrient dense eating pattern by a Certified LifeSteps Leader who is a Registered Dietitian with over 30 years of experience in the nutrition field.  

The possible benefits of LifeSteps are endless!  Even the smallest behavior (habit) change can have lifelong rewards.  You may feel better physically and emotionally.  You may have more energy and have a more positive outlook on life.  Your health could improve, and you might even make some lifelong friends!

If you are interested in finding out if this program may be the right fit for you, attend one of the required in-person orientations being offered at TCPHSS on Tuesday, January 14 or 21, 2025, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.  If you are still interested after the orientation, you will be scheduled for a one-on-one consultation with the Registered Dietitian to ensure this program is the right fit for you. 

The program dates for the in-person 16-week sessions will be held Tuesdays, January 28 – May 13, 2025, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Register for one of the orientation dates online.

Contact Lesley Price, RD, CD for more information at 360.480.4654 or email LifeSteps@co.thurston.wa.us.