We’ve all heard it many times that exercise is important. Indeed, exercise helps with weight management, improving our moods, reducing blood pressure, and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and joints. That’s all true and very important.

As a physician, I can tell you that another important reason to stay active and healthy is that someday each of us will face our genetics. As we age, we are all at risk for developing heart or vascular disease, stroke, injuries, and, yes, sadly cancer. But those patients who have stayed active and exercised throughout their lives will be the ones who most likely to overcome whatever they face, and recover the most rapidly to further enjoy their later years.

This patient exemplifies a life well-lived, with a long and successful career, extensive traveling during his retirement, and continued good health —all because he took wonderful care of himself throughout his lifetime and exercised every day. Listen to his story of how he has now —at ag3 82– recovered in only four days after open heart surgery —a combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass operation. This extraordinary patient is an inspiration to all of us!