Michael Cobb, 65, was spending a pleasant Sunday at the driving range in October 2017. He was sweating profusely, but standing under the Florida sun, it did not seem unusual.

He felt a slight pain across his chest, but he shrugged it off, certain it was just indigestion.

That night after dinner, his resting heart rate was above 100 - well above his normal rate.

Following his wife's advice, he went to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center, where clinicians found his cardiac enzymes levels were elevated. Cobb was admitted and was soon undergoing a quadruple bypass under the care of cardiologist Kenneth Herskowitz, M.D.

Cobb had a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was pre-diabetic. He was aware he was overweight, but he never "got around to losing weight,"Cobb said. After recovering from the surgery his lifestyle needed a major overhaul to protect his heart.

"Following open heart surgery," said Herskowitz. "I noticed Mr. Cobb was highly motivated to make important lifestyle changes that would help his long-term outcome and recovery. In my 25 years of practice, I found his incredible dedication to a healthier lifestyle to be truly inspiring."

As soon as he was strong enough, Cobb began his cardiovascular rehabilitation program at the Wellness Center at Broward Health Medical Center. The Center also provided nutritional counseling, where he learned to read food labels and make better meal choices.

The hard work paid off as the pounds began to drop. Cobb lost approximately 75 pounds, and today feels great.

"Now that I feel better," Cobb said, "I notice how I did not feel well at all before."

His wife of 42 years, Barbara, has been a great support in the process, joining him in making key changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
"Some are not as fortunate as I am," Cobb said. "There is no time like the present. If your doctor says you need to make changes, do it now. You may not have a second chance."