Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) Overview

What is CHIP?

   The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) (formerly Coronary Health Improvement Project) is an affordable, lifestyle enrichment program designed to reduce disease risk factors through the adoption of better health habits and appropriate lifestyle modifications. The goal is to lower blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels by reducing excess weight, lowering high blood pressure, enhancing daily exercise, improving dietary choices, and eliminating smoking, thus aiding in preventing and reversing disease.

Why does CHIP exist?

   CHIP is based on the foundation that 75% of our Western diseases are “lifestyle-related,” according to the U.S. Surgeon General. They relate to our rich diet; lack of exercise; use of cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine; level of stress; and the quality of our support. These diseases include:

What is a CHIP program like?

   Before the educational program begins, a comprehensive health screen is conducted to establish risk factor levels of participants. The educational program is presented in two-hour sessions that meet:

• four times a week for four weeks, or
• three times a week for five weeks, or
• twice a week for eight weeks

   Health screen results are provided to each participant early in the program, and participants are encouraged to share their results and work closely with their personal physician regarding their need for medication as they modify their lifestyle. Immediately following the program, the health screen is conducted again, and a detailed report is prepared for each participant that compares their risk factor levels before and after going through the program. Reports and course completion certificates are presented at a graduation program. See more details in the Course Content.

   CHIP has over 50,000 graduates worldwide and sustains adherence to the program guidelines through an active CHIP alumni support organization.

Who presents CHIP programs?

   Programs are presented by founder Dr. Hans Diehl and are available to the public as:

• Live, city-wide programs conducted by Dr. Diehl in person
• DVD video programs offered by corporations, medical, and faith groups for employees and communities

   Video programs are conducted by trained and licensed CHIP directors and offered in more than 350 cities across North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Is there any proof that the CHIP program works?

   Program results have been published in numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, including the American Journal of Cardiology, the Journal of the American Diatetic Association, and Preventive Medicine.

   CHIP is endorsed by the Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), and the International Nutrition Research Foundation.

Published popular articles about CHIP

• Advisory Spotlight, excerpted from the monthly newsletter of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), March 2010 issue, by Dr. Tricia McMahon.