Jim Silvia

What CHIP Did For Me

Every year I visit with my primary care physician for an annual physical. For the last five years I would have the same conversation with my doctor about reducing my total cholesterol. Each year my doctor would suggest that I begin taking a statin drug to lower my cholesterol and I would decline promising to eat less of the foods that he told me to avoid. In January of 2019, I had my blood drawn for Collier County Public Schools Pathways Program. When I received my blood results I noticed that my total cholesterol had increased in one year from 185 to 198. My annual physical was going to be in March of 2019, so to avoid the statin conversation with my physician I decided to sign up for a CHIP class on January 14, 2019.

My Blood Work Results:

                                         January 25, 2019                                               August 27, 2019

Weight                            207                                                                            180

Waist Circumference   39                                                                                36

Blood Pressure             113 / 77                                                                      112/72

HDL Cholesterol            55                                                                                42.6

LDL Cholesterol             128                                                                               73

Total Cholesterol           198                                                                              129

Triglycerides                   61                                                                                  63

Before starting CHIP I was beginning to notice that my energy level was decreasing and that completing daily exercise activities were becoming more and more challenging. As a runner I was noticing that my pace per mile was slowing down from an average pace of 10 minute miles to running anywhere from 11 minute miles to 12 minute miles.

It has now been over a year since I began the plant based lifestyle.  I am now eating a variety of different delicious foods and I am making healthier food choices each day. CHIP class has given me the knowledge, tools and support systems to eat healthier, acquire more energy, think clearer and feel so much better.  My running has improved and my workout each day has become easier. I am actually looking forward to meeting with my physician this March to discuss this year’s blood work.