Thread: Jack LaLanne, 95, Has Heart Surgery

Jack LaLanne, 95, Has Heart Surgery
By Marc Davis



In his signature light-hearted style, 95-year-old fitness guru Jack LaLanne told his family "Dying would wreck my image," before he underwent heart valve surgery on December 8 at a Los Angeles hospital.

From his modest beginnings in 1936 when he opened his first health club, the diminutive, but buff, LaLanne eventually became a world-renowned figure in the health and fitness field. His television program, the Jack LaLanne show, ran a remarkable 34 years, from 1951 to 1985. During that period LaLanne hawked various health products including his celebrated Power Juicer. Humorous, publicity-grabbing stunts characterize LaLanne's career over the years. He once swam across Long Beach Harbor towing boats while handcuffed. But he was always serious about keeping fit and avoiding the pitfalls of a sedentary lifestyle. Throughout his 60s, 70s and 80s -- when most men his age were unabashed couch potatoes -- LaLanne made numerous public appearances, working out strenuously and parading his impressive muscular build and marathoner stamina. LaLanne had been active right up to the time he underwent the recent operation.

Last month he appeared on the Jay Leno Show working out with movie star Vince Vaughn and out-exercising the much younger actor. But at 95 can LaLanne resume his previous level of vigorous activity after open-heart surgery? "Mr. LaLanne's physical fitness is legendary and should help significantly with his post-operative recovery barring any unforseen medical setbacks," said Sandeep Nathan, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and Director of Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program at University of Chicago Medical Center. And on LaLanne's Web site, his motto looms large: "Long Live Living Long."