23 now certified to lead health improvement programme this month

Twenty-three local facilitators have been trained and certified to lead the Complete Health Improvement Programme (CHIP) — a community-based intervention initiative to reduce and prevent the risk of persons developing non-communicable diseases.

CHIP is now scheduled to be launched in the British Virgin Islands this month.

This is according to a media release from the Ministry of Health which stated that the registration process has begun for the 10-week course.

“The main reason the CHIP programme was selected was to provide members of the community who need a roadmap to guide them in a behaviour change lifestyle intervention,” Public Health Coordinator Ivy George said.  

“Uncontrolled modifiable risk factors give rise to obesity, raised blood, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol…CHIP gives participants the tools to not only decrease their risks for NCDs but can also improve their overall health,” she added.

How to register

Persons interested in registering for CHIP can either call 284-468-4936 or visit the government’s official website for more instructions. 

The programme, according to the aforementioned release, will cost persons $200. Grants will be provided for those in need of financial assistance.

At the end of the 10-week course, all participants will then join the CHIP club which meets once per month for a period of one year.

This club will act as a support group to ensure that persons maintain their new healthy lifestyle.