Medical Facilities

The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) (formerly known as the Coronary Health Improvement Project) offered by your medical facility differentiates you in the marketplace by improving patient results and achieving higher success rates when addressing the obesity problem, diabetes, and heart disease. CHIP is a wellness program that supports medical institutions and physicians by acting as an "educational and motivational" agent, enhancing patient understanding and compliance, while increasing patency rates.

CHIP Impacts/Results Articles

"A Word From the Medical Director of the SwedishAmerican Center for Complementary Medicine" – Roger Greenlaw, MD

"CHIP Program Improves Health of Employee" – Intercom, For the People of Swedish American

National magazine highlights CHIP ABSOLUTE ADVANTAGE

CHIP Endorsements & Testimonials

· Medical/scientific endorsements

· Other endorsements (text/video)

CHIP Facilitator Training Workshop

Interested in starting a CHIP program or becoming a Director through your hospital or medical facility? Then join us at the next CHIP Facilitator Training Workshop.

Letter from a Physician

Eric W. Shadle, MD, FACOG
Loma Linda University, School of Medicine

Class of 1982

As an obstetrician/gynecologist, I saw first-hand the clinical results of the CHIP program in Rockford, IL where about 3,000 people enrolled in 6 consecutive CHIP programs that contributed to a cultural transformation. Restaurants began to offer healthier menus, patients began asking for lifestyle counseling, and physicians become more open to referring patients to the CHIP program to reduce their dependence on medications for such things as hypertension and diabetes. I found patients became enthusiastic about making the lifestyle changes taught in the CHIP program and that these changes were sustainable over many years.  I observed a noticeable change in food supplies on grocery shelves as people demanded healthier options.

     Since moving to Richland, WA, I have had the privilege of working closely as a medical consultant to the Kadlec Regional Medical Center in championing the CHIP program. The hospital is now in its 5th year with good support from the administration and the community. We have now conducted 10 CHIP programs attracting a full house of 75-95 people each time. The program attracts employees, who receive partial reimbursement of the fee to attend the program.  The program also receives a large number of self-referrals due to the recommendation of friends whose lives have been changed.  And we receive many physician referrals as the medical community has embraced the program as a viable adjunct to their treatment of hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. We have also found that the CHIP program has attracted corporate clients of the hospital and has positioned the hospital as not only a leader of medical care, but also as a truly caring hospital interested and committed to the health of the community and its employees.

     Kadlec Regional Medical Center is proud to offer the CHIP program due to the consistent results obtained by its participants, its affordability, and its quality. The program does not declare dietary dogmas and directives, but rather offers people the opportunity of making better choices based on scientific evidence presented night after night.  We have found remarkable drops in the blood pressures, blood sugars, and LDL cholesterol levels of our participants. These clinical results are consistent with those that have been published in close to 20 medical journals. We have also found good compliance over the years due to the built-in behavioral constructs in the program and the magic of the group process as well as the before and after clinical assessments confirming the projected outcomes. In addition, we then offer follow-up services through monthly alumni meetings. As I view the program in its entirety, it is a truly inspiring example of what hospitals can do for their employees and their community. I enthusiastically support the CHIP program because it is health care at its very finest and best – a noble enterprise serving people through education, motivation and inspiration and thus creating a healthier culture.

250 Celebrate Graduation from CHIP Program

Richard Walsh
President–SwedishAmerican Hospital,
C.O.O.–SwedishAmerican Health System

April 13 was graduation day for over 250 people enrolled in CHIP 6. They have had HeartScreens, Dr. Diehl's lectures, shopping tours, and cooking classes with Jeanie Burke. Graduation (Commencement) was held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. SwedishAmerican COO Rich Walsh addressed his fellow CHIPers with words of vision and inspiration! He spoke of a day in the future when the CHIP healthy menu will be on the front of the menu and the unhealthy stuff on the "back panel." Ryan Petty, President of the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce and graduate of CHIP #2, gave the keynote address.

     Several CHIPers, including SAHS participants shared their results of weight loss, reduced cholesterol, normalized blood sugar, relief from allergies, and reduced blood pressure. Many reduced or eliminated medications for these diseases. Now that's success! Following graduation, the new CHIPpers and their guests were introduced to their first alumni activity - The CHIP Alumni Graduation Gala. This event included a Silent Auction to raise funds for scholarships for CHIP #7 and CHIP video classes. CHIP appetizers were provided by several participating CHIP-approved restaurants, followed by delicious salads and whole wheat spaghetti with Tomato Face Meatless "Meat" Sauce. Dessert featured German Fruit Tortes made by Dr. Hans Diehl assisted by Chip Alumni volunteers as well as Strawberry Fudge Cake and Carrot Cake from The King's Table. What a feast! The Silent Auction garnered over $3,000 for scholarships. Congratulations to all.