Jim Trusso experienced his first major health issue — a ruptured appendix — when he was only 12 years old. During surgery, his appendix burst, endangering his life and extending his stay in the hospital. He ended up missing half of school that year.

More than 20 years went by as Jim lived a normal, healthy life. Then out of the blue, at age 35, he had a heart attack and ended up being one of a handful of patients in the United States to undergo what was then an experimental mammary artery bypass surgery.  He had two subsequent heart procedures, in 1983 and the last one, in 1999, after his heart stopped during a bikeathon for multiple sclerosis. 

Heart issues and other health problems haven't stopped Jim, who's now 79 and living within bicycling distance to the beach near his home on Little Oak Island in South Carolina. He bikes every day, participates in Dragon Boating and volunteers at the Charleston Aquarium. He and his wife, Susan, travel extensively. 

Hear more about Jim's experiences and philosophy of good living in this episode.