Billings Man Highlights Value of Community Health Resources That Benefit From Intermountain Supported Heart & Sole Run
When Kevin Holland learned he was at risk for developing diabetes, he faced a clear choice: “Do I want to be proactive or do I want to be reactive?” Holland said. “I said, I want to be proactive.”
That decision led Holland to connect clinical care at Intermountain Health with community-based fitness and wellness resources, including the Billings YMCA and the city’s trail system, the same resources supported by the annual Heart and Sole Run, set for June 20 in Billings, Montana.
Holland said he sought care after noticing health concerns and knowing diabetes runs in his family.
“They said, I'm on the borderline. I don't have it, but I'm really close,” he said.
His primary care provider, Jodi Gilligan, NP, at the Intermountain Health Lockwood Clinic, referred him to the Intermountain Health Diabetes Prevention Program, which is offered in partnership with the Billings YMCA.
The research-based, data-driven program emphasized attainable lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. For Holland, the focus on moderation rather than restriction was important.
“They said, we're all about moderation. We're not about, you can't do this ever again,” Holland said. “And I said, I'm in.”
“Our Diabetes Prevention Program is successful because it gives patients the tools and support they need to make meaningful changes,” Gilligan said. “By focusing on sustainable habits like healthy eating, regular physical activity and accountability, we can help patients improve their health and, in many cases, prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and heart disease.”
While nutrition was a key focus, Holland said his long-standing commitment to physical activity played a major role in his success. “I've always enjoyed exercise. I'm a gym rat,” he said. “I needed to stay fit for my profession in law enforcement.”
Cycling, in particular, has become central to Holland’s routine.
He regularly bikes about 12 miles several times a week and relies heavily on the trail systems in Billings.
“I do 99% of my riding on the trail system we have in Billings,” he said.
For Holland, access to safe, connected trails is essential to maintaining his health.
Holland said the year-long Diabetes Prevention Program and his continued commitment to exercise using community resources led to meaningful improvements in his health, and the proof was in the numbers.
“Every number you check (weight, blood pressure, blood sugar) improved,” he said.
Intermountain Health is a presenting sponsor of the Heart and Sole Run, which raises funds for Billings TrailNet and the Billings YMCA, organizations that help ensure community members have access to spaces and programs that support active, healthy lifestyles.
Holland plans to participate in this year’s Heart and Sole Run with his wife.
“Access to community resources like the YMCA, Billings’ trail system, and the Heart and Sole Race is critical for helping patients like Kevin to stay healthy and get healthy,” Gilligan said. “When people have safe places to exercise and programs that support healthy lifestyles, it reinforces what we talk about with our patients and makes long-term success more achievable. It’s about connecting all of those dots for the health of our community and our patients”