Paradise completed its sixth successful Coronary Health Improvement Project program on May 9, resulting not only in big improvements in the health of the participants, but adding a baptism, a wedding, and subsequently a new staff member to the already well-qualified staff. The average cholesterol drop for the 47 participants was more than 20 percent, setting a new record in this category. Over the course of the program, Pete Kiraly lowered his cholesterol from 220 to 108 and Jean Talamantes reduced hers from 242 to 184 to capture the Plunger Award for men and women, respectively. There were participants that lost more than 40 pounds, dropped their glucose by about 35 points, and lowered triglyceride levels by close to 130 points.

The most significant outcome was the experience of Shirley Stewart, who has been suffering from multiple diseases for a number of years as a result of lindane poisoning. Treatment by doctors has had only limited success, but following the CHIP nutrition schedule and guidelines faithfully has almost completely eliminated most of her symptoms. She was in an electric wheelchair and unable to walk when she entered the program, but she was able to walk across the platform to receive her diploma. She now walks two to five miles a day as part of her regular exercise regimen. She began Bible studies several months ago and was baptized in April, while participating in CHIP. In addition, she will be getting married to Glen McFarland, the audio/visual leader for the Paradise CHIP program.

Additionally, Feather River Hospital has now formed a Lifestyle Medicine Department, as a result of its partnership with the Paradise CHIP. Rick Mautz, assistant CHIP director, is the new department director and is working to establish across-the-board preventive health programs in support of the other hospital departments. Courses offered include CHIP programs, stop smoking classes, wellness maintenance programs, weekly exercise classes, diabetes education programs, depression recovery programs, a yearly physicians’ seminar with continuing medical education credit, and other support programs to provide preventive health education for the community.

Paradise has now graduated more than 370 participants from its six programs, and is fortunate to have a forward-looking and innovative hospital and medical staff to address the health concerns of the community using 21st century concepts.