STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Learn about St. Luke’s new CHIP program during a Brown Bag talk at 12:15 p.m. today—Thursday, Jan. 18—at St. Luke’s Wood River.

Sarah Seppa, a registered dietician and clinical nutritionist, will talk about the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) that St. Luke’s plans to offer in February. She will present an encore presentation at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at St. Luke’s Clinic, 1450 Aviation Drive in Hailey.

The program is not simply a short-term intervention but an educational program designed to guide participants through the challenges associated with adopting a healthier lifestyle.

The program, which emphasizes the health benefits of eating a whole foods, plant-based diet, was developed by the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine.

It is a data-driven, scientifically-based intervention used nationally and internationally by a variety of health care institutions. Endorsed by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, it has the most published clinical evidence to date compared with other publically available lifestyle medicine programs.

It looks at all aspects of mental and physical wellbeing, including nutrition, physical activity, resilience, managing stress, building and strengthening relationships, finding meaning and purpose and maintaining positive change.

“CHIP focuses on areas of mind, body, heart and spirit to help participants reverse or prevent chronic diseases and achieve optimal health,” said Seppa.

CHIP will involve 18 sessions featuring educational and entertaining videos, facilitated group discussion and food samples.

Participants will receive a textbook, workbook, cookbook and exercise workbook. A health risk assessment, blood tests and weight, waist circumference and blood pressure assessment will be done on every participant at the start and conclusion of the program.

Cost is $379 per person, and participants may bring a spouse or friend for support.

For more information, call 208-727-8356.