With lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol wreaking havoc on today’s population, it’s sometimes difficult to know just how to either avoid or modify these conditions.
One program speaks common sense about these conditions, as well as such killers as heart disease, stroke, certain adult cancers, gall bladder disease and others.
CHIP, Complete Health Improvement Program, is an affordable, lifestyle enrichment program designed to reduce disease risk factors through the adoption of better health habits and appropriate lifestyle modifications.
Delivered locally by Dr. Keith Corbett, CHIP also relies on the expertise of program founder and scientific presenters Dr. Hans Diehl, Dr. Darren Morton, who makes the scientific information practical and Dr. Andrea Avery, who makes the information personal.
Corbett presents the educational program through live feed programming from the experts via the Internet.
“This way the information is absolutely the most up-to-date,” Corbett said.
In preparation for the program, Corbett is holding two free information sessions to allow people to make up their mind if this is the right program for them.
Participants have a health screen with hospital personnel where lab test results determine risk factor levels.
There are 16, two-hour sessions where participants learn how to
reduce the risk factors through diet and lifestyle changes.
“This program is an intensive first month and anybody can do just about anything for 30 days,” Corbett said.
“Especially when it involves perhaps prolonging your life and improving your quality of life. It’s like a lifestyle bootcamp.”
Participants are encouraged to discuss and share their results and work closely with their personal physician regarding their need for medication as they modify their lifestyle.
“I don’t expect people who take this course, will, in 30 days, make all the changes and sustain those changes,” he said.
“But I do expect and I know it’s attainable for each and every graduate to move in a direction that will improve their health.
“Baby steps are better than no steps and sustained baby steps over a period of time can make an incredible difference.”
Once completed, CHIP graduates are again screened for changes in lifestyle, clinical outcomes and medications.
The CHIP lectures include valuable information from the three experts. Corbett supplements these lectures with interactive heart-healthy recipe demonstrations and samples, question and answer time, power point presentations and lots of fun.
Participants receive a textbook, workbook, notebook, various publications, a pedometer, CHIP tote bag and water bottle.
The CHIP program began with a growing interest in resort-based lifestyle changing centres where change was proven possible. Dr. Diehl investigated a small, but apparently successful, program run by Nathan Pritikin.
Once he analyzed the results of the four-week, residential intervention program, he was convinced to join the Longevity Centre.
Diehl wondered how such a program could be applied in a community-based approach.
Not only would it be considerably less expensive, but also would be applied directly to
participant’s lives, thus improving the success rate.
Diehl’s first four-week, community-based program was successfully delivered in 1986 in Creston, B.C., with more than 400 residents responding. Many astounding successes were recorded with a majority seeing continued good results after several years.
The CHIP program has been carried out in several communities since, with equally good results.
This program is now offered in more than 350 cities across North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and has more than 50,000 graduates worldwide.
Corbett has been delivering the CHIP program in Quesnel for five years and more than 100 people have participated.
“The program teaches the fundamental information about nutrition, food values and other healthy options,” Corbett said.
“All with the goal to maximize benefits and minimize harmful effects – all with baby steps in mind or giant steps if that is what one wants.
“Everyone is different and we encourage people to exercise their freedom to do as they see fit and best for themselves.”
The program also includes an exercise component and Corbett said fresh air and exercise, coupled with a positive attitude, are important elements for any lifestyle change.
“I recognize that not all people are able to establish an exercise regime but we encourage everyone to do what they can, again baby steps,” he said.
“It’s amazing what the body can do, given a chance.”
Some of the Quesnel participants were jubilant about the program and their results.
“In just four weeks my cholesterol dropped about 30 per cent, I’ve lost 10 pounds, my blood pressure has returned to normal and my doctor thought the blood work was in error so we had it done twice.
“The CHIP program really works.”
Others reported they had increased energy, weight loss and one even said they weren’t hungry all the time anymore; however, the best result for this participant was they sleep much better at night.
“This program is not a medical cure but a healthy lifestyle based on baby steps,” Corbett emphasized.
“In the program you gain the information you need to learn the ‘why’ about food choices.
“This is a complete
lifestyle examination
and provides options
that work for the participant.”
The next CHIP program is slated for March.
To find out more call 250-992-3444 or 250-991-9297 or attend one of the free information sessions on February 25 and 26.
You might also want to
visit www.chiphealth.com.