JACKSON, MS (WLBT) -
"When I would give out, I'd have to start and (breathe)," said Jeanne Porter. Her health, at 83 years old, can rival that of people half her age.
Her cardiologist, Dr. Giorgio Aru, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center looks at the scans of her heart in amazement. "She underwent a repair of the mitral valve and she was discharged in excellent condition three days after surgery," he said.
That recovery time is half that of most patients, of any age. Dr. Aru says it's the result of Mrs. Porter's life long, life style. "Never stop moving. physical activity is extremely important. Number two, never smoke.
Dr. Aru minces no words about this third recommendation. "Gaining weight is the worst thing you can do to yourself." Studies show that being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure, and diabetes and that can lead to the conditions that will kill you.
"You develop plaques all over the arteries in the body, from the heart to the carotid artery to the head, to the legs," Dr. Aru said.
Eventually, Dr. Aru says it leads to disability for many people. "People tend to wear the cartilage in their knees off, so they can't walk anymore and they go to a wheel chair, disabled, and this is the worst life you can wish for anybody."
"He tells it like it is and that's how I want to hear it," Jeanene said about the points Dr. Aru makes. An avid gardener her entire life, Mrs. Porter has always stuck with Dr. Aru's very first recommendation. "At 83, I'm still active."
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