“In 2012, when I was just 44 years old, I came into the ED with pain in my chest and my doctor, S.J. Chan, MD, at Community Hospital, found 85 percent blockage,” explains Hammond resident Guzman. “After angioplasty and a stent, I went home a new man. In September of 2013, I ran three 5K events and came within the Top 10 of my age division in each race,” Guzman says.
“Getting to a healthier lifestyle didn’t happen overnight,” says Guzman. “I had a lot of help along the way,” he says. “I graduated from Cardiac Rehab I, II and III. I changed my diet; watched what I ate, worked out and kept my stress levels down.”
“I’m grateful to the nurses who took care of me and encouraged me. I’m especially grateful to the Mended Hearts – a support group made up of men and women survivors who have experienced first-hand similar heart conditions,” he says. The chapter’s mission is to instill hope and after talking with (a member), I knew what I needed to do to get my heart back on track,” he says. “I also learned whatever age you are; you can get your life back.”
Take care of your heart. Cardiac Rehabilitation is available through the hospitals of Community Healthcare System.
