Center for Healthy Living introduces CHIP, a new intensive lifestyle program

As part of the University's initiative to improve overall health and wellness throughout the Purdue community, the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue's West Lafayette campus in conjunction with Lifestyle Medicine Institute is introducing a new video-based lifestyle intervention program to its offerings. The Complete Health Improvement Program -- otherwise known as CHIP -- is designed to help participants make changes to their lifestyles through education, practical experience and reinforcement with a main focus on behavior change. Participation in CHIP will qualify as a Healthy Boiler wellness activity.

The “whole of health” approach that CHIP promotes is based on the combination of four fundamental components: lifestyle, exercise, attitude and nutrition. The program puts emphasis on how individuals live, move, think and eat in regard to creating and maintaining a healthier way of life. Plant-based eating is at the core of the program’s nutrition education.

The nine-week program, composed of 18 one-hour group sessions, is a four-part cycle:

1. Participate in the community engagement sessions.
2. Watch video and read the textbook.
3. Complete the quiz and the workbook assignments.
4. Implement lifestyle changes.

Health coaches at CHL are trained to work with participants throughout the program.

“Studies continue to show that healthier workers are overall more productive and happy,” says Candace Shaffer, director of benefits in Human Resources. “Adding CHIP into the mix of available options for our employees is yet another way for employees to engage in living a healthier lifestyle. The diversity of our employees requires a variety of program options so that everyone has the chance to find something that is right for them. We hope CHIP will be well-received by members of our Purdue community.”

Healthy Boiler portal Download image

Information about CHIP -- including the program's Interest Form -- is available on the Healthy Boiler portal. On the portal home page, follow image 1 in the main tile (as shown at right) to learn more. Employees interested in the program should fill out and submit the Interest Form.

Questions can be directed to the CHL at 765-494-0111.

CHIP qualifies as a Healthy Boiler wellness activity 

Participating in the CHIP program will count toward needed wellness activities to receive the Healthy Boiler Wellness incentive. The program will satisfy the categories below for wellness activities:

* Participate in four or more health coaching sessions. May include health coach, stress management, mental health, personal trainer or registered dietitian (virtual or in person).

* Participate in a wellness education series. Series must consist of three or more sessions (virtual or in person).

* Participate in a disease management program (virtual or in person), for example, Virta Health.

* Participate in a weight-loss program/group, for example, Weight Watchers.

In 2018, Purdue in partnership with the Center for Healthy Living on the West Lafayette campus introduced its Healthy Boiler Wellness Program to promote wellness within the University population. Healthy Boiler encourages employees to engage in their health and wellness by identifying a primary care provider, having an annual physical and biometrics screening and participating in wellness activities; offering benefits-eligible faculty and staff -- as well as spouses covered on a Purdue medical plan -- the opportunity to earn up to $250 (employee only participation) or $500 (employee plus spouse participation) in incentives to participate.

1. Select a primary care provider. $50, employee or spouse only. $100, employee and spouse.

2. Complete annual physical and biometrics. $100, employee or spouse only. $200, employee and spouse.

3. Complete two pre-approved wellness activities. $100, employee or spouse only. $200, employee and spouse. To qualify for the incentive, the pre-approved activities must be completed and logged into the wellness portal between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, and must be from two separate categories.

To stay up-to-date on all things Healthy Boiler, visit the Healthy Boiler Portal, follow the Healthy Boiler Purdue blog and follow Healthy Boiler on social media:

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Any questions on the wellness incentive program can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, 877-725-0222 (toll-free) or hr@purdue.edu.