Patient Stories

Terry Schwartz

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Terry Schwartz, Lancaster

Change of Heart

Terry admits he didn't let his family history of heart disease scare him away from a 38-year habit of smoking. Add that to a stressful job and other risk factors – he knew the 'cards weren't stacked' in his favor. Sure enough, it all caught up to him in 2006. Even after he underwent angioplasty to open three major blockages, Terry didn't give up smoking. "I thought they fixed me up, so I had license to keep enjoying life," remembers Terry. 

It's no secret he likes to gamble – but in 2010 after hearing again how serious his condition had deteriorated – Terry wasn't willing to 'gamble' with his life – so he gave up smoking for good. He recalls throwing an entire pack of cigarettes away and hasn't had one since.

With the prospect of heart surgery, Terry began learning a whole new way of life with help from the Cardiac Rehab program at Grant Regional. "From sessions on nutrition to stress reduction to exercise, the staff really opened my eyes to healthier lifestyle," explained Terry. "Judy Adrian and the rehab staff are so professional and knowledgeable… but it's so much more than that. The key is the personal interaction with staff and other participants that really keeps you going. It'd be so easy to fall back into my old habits – but they keep me motivated. It's fun. It's social. And it's very reassuring to know that they're going to be there for you through it all. And the expanded gym and equipment are exceptional.  I used to think that life was the 'luck of the draw' – but now I know it's what you put into it.  Thanks Grant Regional!"

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