Kirkland CHIP            

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kirkland CHIP ?

Kirkland CHIP is a chapter of the CHIP, a worldwide organization for educating the people on healthful lifestyle.

What is CHIP?

CHIP is a worldwide organization which conducts a 30 day education program for healthful lifestyle.  There have been over 40,000 graduates who have benefitted from the program.

How long has Kirkland CHIP been in existence?

Kirkland CHIP started regular annual sessions in 2007.

How long has the CHIP been in existence?

The first CHIP program was conducted in 1988. There have been over 40,000 graduates since then throughout the US and Canada, as well as in other parts of the world.

Who Conducts the CHIP program?

It is conducted by the community volunteers that have either been trained or gone through the CHIP program before.

What does the program consist of?

It starts with the Heart Screen #1, where you get your height, weight body frame, blood pressure, and pulse determined, and get a fasting blood sample for total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar and triglycerides.  You are also asked to fill out the questions regarding your lifestyle.  Based on the above information personal recommendations are made.

Then there will be 16 evening meetings over 4 weeks.  The first hour of each meeting consists of live interactions and various demonstrations, including cooking, by the local staff, The second part is video lectures by Dr. Hans Diehl, who is the founder of the CHIP.  Each evening participants will get to taste samples of healthful foods.  During this period, participants are encouraged to do regular exercise. 

Then comes the Heart Screen #2, where all the things which were done at the Heart Screen #1 will be repeated.  We expect to see some significant improvements after only 30 days.

How much does it cost?

The fee for a person is $250, and a for a couple (two people sharing some of the materials) $375.  The cost includes the lab fee, textbook, workbook, handbooks, cookbook, and a few other items.  There are some lifestyle education programs around the country, but most of them are conducted at resorts or hospitals, which greatly increases the cost.  Typically those programs will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Who would benefit from the CHIP?

Virtually everyone would benefit from the CHIP.  But the ones who benefit immediately are those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, history of stroke, and history of cancer  Also, it benefits those who want to avoid these conditions, especially if some of these conditions run in their families.

What kind of results can I expect?

Cholesterol levels drop an average of 10-20% and as much as 40%.  Each percent drop in cholesterol translates to 3% reduction in coronary risk.  Weight loss averages 7 pounds in just 30 days.  Diabetes and blood pressure medications are usually reduced or even eliminated.  Cancer risks are lowered.  Better sleep and higher energy levels are commonly reported.

What are the main principes behind the CHIP?

The emphases are on the healthful diet, regular exercise, plenty of water and positive attitude.  The CHIP provides you with practical tools to accomplish these goals.

What is unique about the CHIP?

The most unique thing about the CHIP is that it is conducted in the community by volunteers, as opposed to most of the healthful lifestyle programs which are usually conducted in in resort settings or in the hospital settings, which drives up the cost.  Typically those programs cost tens of thousands of dollars.  Another thing is that is has an ongoing group support which minimizes the tendency to go back to old lifestyle habits.

Do I have to change my doctors?

No.  In fact you will have to work more closely with your doctors as your medication requirements will change as you progress in the new lifestyle.  We will not make any medical advice, especially regarding your medications.  Remember this is an education program and not a medical practice.

Are the CHIP staff physicians?

There are some physicians at Kirkland CHIP.  But in some communities there are no pysicians on the staff.  You are asked to keep in close contact with your own physicians throughout the session as your conditions can change rather significantly and you may have to have your medications adjusted.

Is the CHIP a vegetarian or vegan program?

No.  It is an educational program.  You will be presented with scientific facts related to your health, then you will choose what kind of lifestyle you want to live in, including what kind of foods to eat.  Remember the slogan for the CHIP is, "Healthy by Choice."

Are there any publications on the CHIP?

There are published results of the CHIP in medical journals.  Here are some of them.  The American Journal of Cardiology, November 1998.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association, March 2005.  Preventive Medicine, April 2005.  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicne, June 2005.

When is the next session?

Kirkland CHIP meets every fall.  For 2008 the session starts on September 21 and ends on October 29.  There are 4 free information meetins (1hour each) on September 7, 10, 14, and 17 at 7 pm.

Where does it meet?

Kirkland CHIP meets at the Community Health Education Center located at Kirkland SDA Church in Kirkland.  The address is: 6400  108th Ave. NE  Kirkland, WA  98033

Where can I get more information?

You can write to us using the CONTACT US page, or call us at 425-952-4191.

Can I register for the program without attending the information meeting?

If you are already certain that you want to enroll in the program, contact us and we will hold your place with the registration fee.

What happens if I miss some of the meetings?

We encourage you to attend all the meetings, but if you miss a few, you will still get the principles that are emphasized.  If you miss the blood sample drawings, we can also make special arrangements.  If you miss more than 5 meetings, we will not be able to give you the certificate.