After watching her mother battle and pass away from Parkinson’s disease at an early age, Michelle Wash, vowed not to let health issues overwhelm her own life in a negative way. In 2011, when she was diagnosed with a serious chronic kidney condition, she committed to playing an active role in determining the impacts of her diagnosis.  

After living for 20 years in Nevada, she returned to southeast Montana to care for her ailing father. Accessing the necessary specialty care to manage her condition while living in Ekalaka, Mont., can be challenging, but Wash has built a strong relationship with her local primary care provider and has sought out ways to continue to proactively manage her health. 

To prevent further complications from her conditions, such as developing diabetes or needing dialysis, Wash has been focused on lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, key components to managing her health. That is why, when she saw a flyer at her local doctor’s office for Healthy Lifestyles, a diabetes prevention program at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, she wanted to learn more. She was especially interested in the virtual option, which would allow her to participate from home. A year later, she is amazed by the impact the program has had on her health.  

For the past 16 years, the Healthy Lifestyles program at Holy Rosary Hospital has helped more than 1,000 participants in their health journey through in-person classes. To serve more individuals, the program added a virtual option, eliminating barriers to participation, especially in rural communities. 

The evidence-based, year-long program helps participants meet their health goals through coaching, group support, and access to tools for tracking food, physical activity and habit change goals. The coaching and group support have made all the difference for Wash.  

“If there’s a weight loss program out there, I’ve probably tried it. And for most of them, the coaching doesn’t last very long,” said Wash. “But with Healthy Lifestyles, they’re not telling you, ‘Do this, do that.’ They’re telling you why it’s healthy and why it’s important. You feel very supported.” 

“The power of Healthy Lifestyles is the enthusiasm and energy that participants find as they are empowered to discover lifestyle habits for their own unique situations. It is contagious and shared by the group and the coaches,” said Liane Vadheim, registered dietitian and Healthy Lifestyle coach at Holy Rosary.  

In addition to the dietitians leading the program, Wash also appreciated the support from the group. “I had a backslide and I reached out to some of my buddies and said, ‘I am having a really hard time, can you give me some advice?’,” she said. 

To manage her condition, Wash meets with Intermountain Health nephrologist Michael Ganz, MD. . During her latest visit, roughly a year after signing up for the program, both Dr. Ganz and Wash were impressed with the results. Her kidney function had improved considerably. Wash hopes that with continued efforts, she may not need to see a kidney specialist as frequently.   

“With Michelle’s dedication to diet, activity, and following her medication routine, she has been able to halt progressive kidney disease and even improve her kidney function,” said Dr. Ganz. “All kudos go to her. It’s inspiring.” 

“It is about understanding what I’m putting in my body and how active I am overall and finding that balance,” she said. “If I have a big family dinner, maybe I need to exercise a little more, eat a little less or don’t have the extra piece of bread.” 

“It’s a joy to be a part of this program,” said Mary Tvedt, registered dietitian and coach, who helps lead the program at Holy Rosary Hospital. “Over the last year, the group saw Michelle’s commitment to ‘taking action today for a healthier tomorrow.’ She took advantage of the virtual option, with regular attendance even when she was away from home. She became a leader in evaluating her routines and finding small changes that worked for her. When she saw improvement in her lab values, the group celebrated her success with her.”      

By sharing her story, Wash hopes to encourage others to make changes to manage or prevent health conditions.    

“The Healthy Lifestyle program reaches out to the rural communities and gives us access to what other people have in the city. They let you be who you are, but with support,” she said.  Healthy Lifestyles is an evidence-based program recognized by the CDC to prevent or delay diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Participants receive a full year of support guided by trained lifestyle coaches at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital. Virtual and in-person classes are available. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, please call 406-233-4067.