Lady Transforms Health with Assist of Intermountain Health Healthy Lifestyles Program

Michelle Wash

After watching her mom battle and move away from Parkinson’s illness at an early age, Michelle Wash, vowed to not let well being points overwhelm her personal life in a detrimental manner. In 2011, when she was identified with a severe persistent kidney situation, she dedicated to enjoying an energetic position in figuring out the impacts of her analysis.  

After residing for 20 years in Nevada, she returned to southeast Montana to take care of her ailing father. Accessing the mandatory specialty care to handle her situation whereas residing in Ekalaka, Mont., may be difficult, however Wash has constructed a powerful relationship together with her native main care supplier and has sought out methods to proceed to proactively handle her well being. 

To forestall additional problems from her circumstances, similar to growing diabetes or needing dialysis, Wash has been targeted on way of life elements, similar to food plan and bodily exercise, key elements to managing her well being. That is why, when she noticed a flyer at her native physician’s workplace for Healthy Lifestyles, a diabetes prevention program at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, she wished to study extra. She was particularly taken with the digital possibility, which would permit her to take part from dwelling. A yr later, she is amazed by the affect this system has had on her well being.  

For the previous 16 years, the Healthy Lifestyles program at Holy Rosary Hospital has helped greater than 1,000 individuals of their well being journey by means of in-person lessons. To serve extra people, this system added a digital possibility, eliminating limitations to participation, particularly in rural communities. 

The evidence-based, year-long program helps individuals meet their well being objectives by means of teaching, group assist, and entry to instruments for monitoring meals, bodily exercise and behavior change objectives. The teaching and group assist have made all of the distinction 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,” stated 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,” stated Liane Vadheim, registered dietitian and Healthy Lifestyle coach at Holy Rosary.  

In addition to the dietitians main this system, Wash additionally appreciated the assist 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 stated. 

To handle her situation, Wash meets with Intermountain Health nephrologist Michael Ganz, MD. . During her newest go to, roughly a yr after signing up for this system, each Dr. Ganz and Wash have been impressed with the outcomes. Her kidney perform had improved significantly. Wash hopes that with continued efforts, she could not must see a kidney specialist as steadily.   

“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,” stated 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 stated. “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,” stated Mary Tvedt, registered dietitian and coach, who helps lead this system 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 adjustments to handle or forestall well being circumstances.    

“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 stated.  Healthy Lifestyles is an evidence-based program acknowledged by the CDC to stop or delay diabetes and scale back the danger of coronary heart illness and stroke. Participants obtain a full yr of assist guided by skilled way of life coaches at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital. Virtual and in-person lessons are obtainable. Class dimension is proscribed, and pre-registration is required. For extra data, please name 406-233-4067.