Weight, Blood Pressure Tackled in CHIP Program

RICHLAND, Wash. — Julie Schmidt lost 25 pounds and her blood pressure dropped 15 points. Her husband, John, lost 34 pounds and his blood pressure dropped 20 points.
 
The Kennewick couple accomplished those health goals through the eight-week Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP), a program sponsored by Kadlec Medical Center and Washington State University Tri-Cities.
 
The Schmidts and 78 others will graduate from the CHIP program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Group Health conference room, 1009 N. Center Parkway, Kennewick.
 
CHIP teaches how lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements. It’s designed for those struggling with — or wanting to prevent — heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and adult-onset diabetes.
 
“We were surprised at how easy it was to follow,” said Julie, 55. The Schmidts cut out dairy and meat, added whole grains and raw foods, and kicked up their exercise routine with more walks and trips to the gym.
 
“CHIP helps you with cravings. I was a butter addict and a salt addict,” she said. The financial adviser also figures she’s saving about 30 percent on her shopping bill by avoiding processed foods.
 
Thanksgiving will be different at the Schmidt house this year, however,” Julie said with a laugh. “We may do the Tofurkey.”
 
CHIP sessions are held each spring and fall. People interested in the next CHIP session should call Kadlec Medical Center at 509/942-2600 to put their names on a pre-enrollment list. Cost is $300 per person or $425 for a couple.
 
There are about 500 CHIP program graduates in the Tri-City region and 40,000 graduates worldwide. See www.chipusa.org  for more details on the health education program.