Staying fit is more than a goal for T. Michael Jackson. It’s a lifestyle.
“You only have so many years that you will be vertical,” he says.
So at 80, the former public relations executive for Dow Corning stays strong and fit – and vertical – as he points his skis down an area resort’s hills. And he’s thankful for the cardiac care and rehabilitation services he’s experienced at Munson Medical Center that allow him to continue his vertical experience of life.
“I have been active my whole life, but my family had a history of heart disease,” he shares. “In spite of all that, I thought I would get a break due to my physical fitness. I continued running after my retirement, entering 5K races, and going to the gym three days a week to work out. But in late 2001 I was feeling very tired after about three miles, and mentioned it to my wife who suggested I see the doctor.”
After a series of tests, including an echocardiogram, Munson Medical Center cardiologist Kevin Clayton, DO, discovered an 85 percent blockage in his left main artery. On Jan. 2, 2002, cardiothoracic surgeon Daniel Drake, MD, performed a quadruple heart bypass operation. He came home from the hospital after initial recovery with instructions to go to cardiac rehabilitation at Munson Community Health Center. “
Four or five days later I felt fine and asked my wife to drive me to the center,” he recalls. “When I went through the prescreening the nurse examined me and said ‘What are you doing here, you still have staples in your chest! Go home and rest.’”
A couple of weeks later with staples removed he returned and enrolled in the program. After finishing his rehab with flying colors he started the Vital Step program located in the gym next to cardiac rehab and 15 years later continues his fitness journey.
“Weather permitting, I ride my bike the three miles to and from the center,” he says. “The workouts are excellent – good companionship, good advisors, and a friendly atmosphere. There are days when it’s really terrible outside, snowy and gusting, that I say to myself, ‘Maybe I’ll stay home.’ But I don’t, I go.”
He advises others to consider the programs at Munson Community Health Center as a way to maintain an active and fulfilling life.
“I would urge all people who have any heart condition – after consultation with a doctor – to begin or continue a vibrant workout schedule at a well-run and supervised facility. Munson Community Health Center is such a place, it’s kept me healthy into my 80s and it can do the same for others. It’s important to keep your body in good shape,” he said. “The nice thing about Munson Community Health Center is that they have cardiac rehab and they have a gym next to it. The staff there knows what you are capable of doing and they monitor what you do, so that is good.”
Anyone looking to stay active this winter can find more information on the Vital Step program by calling 231-935-8637.