Could you stick with a consistent exercise routine for 27 years? Aultman Cardiac Rehab patient Mort Berry has done just that – logging an astounding 3,500 sessions to date!

A 92-year-old bundle of energy, Mort started his cardiac rehab journey back in 1988. Five weeks after suffering a heart attack, he had coronary artery bypass graft surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. The procedure was a success, and his recovery took about six weeks. When asked about rehab after that surgery, Mort recalled, “My (work) partner’s wife took me to the mall to walk three or four times a week. Then I went back to the office!”

In January of 1993, Mort had a stress test that concerned his cardiologist, Milan Dopirak, M.D. “His office called and said ‘he (Dr. Dopirak) wants you to start phase 3 [cardiac rehab] on March 1,’” Mort explained. “Who am I to say no? He’s the boss! He knows more than I do.” And Mort has been doing phase 3 cardiac rehab ever since.

When he first began the rehab program, it was held in the gym at the Canton Jewish Center. “We had a large crowd. We must have had over 20 people every Friday,” he said. These days, Mort does his rehab sessions at Aultman North. He tries to go three days a week and spends about 48 minutes on the rowing machine. Over the years, he has tried other exercises, but really enjoys the total body workout he gets from rowing. “The legs get it, the arms get it, your shoulders get it and a some of your middle gets it,” Mort noted.  

In addition to his regular cardiac rehab routine, Mort has stayed very active. Up until he broke his collarbone five years ago, he still played volleyball! And, even now, he continues to play 16 holes of golf once a week. Yes, that’s right – 16 holes. “Well, I don’t play [holes] 16 and 18 because they’re over 500 yards,” Mort explained. “But I enjoy it!”

Mort’s wife, Jean brings him to Aultman North for his cardiac rehab sessions, and usually runs errands while he works out – and socializes. Longtime Aultman employee Lou Ann Fulmer, who has been training Mort for years, said he is a very outgoing and “popular” patient – others will ask about him if he misses a day. “I even see people out in the community who are former rehabbers and they ask about him,” Lou Ann said. “He has an infectious laugh that everyone remembers.”

Mort chuckled a lot when recounting a couple mishaps he’s had over the last few years. In addition to breaking his collarbone in a fall, Mort was also in a car accident that broke his pelvis. He credits his sense of humor – and his active lifestyle – for his ability to bounce back. “I think that’s probably some of what has kept me on an even keel,” Mort said. Whether it’s his friendly, fun personality or the regular exercise routine, this 92-year-old is clearly doing something right!

As Mort discovered, cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) services are designed to help patients with heart disease recover faster and return to full, productive lives. With a physician referral, patients can join Phase II and Phase III cardiac rehab programs at the following locations: Aultman Hospital, Aultman Orrville Hospital, Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, Aultman Massillon and Aultman North. For more information, please call 330-363-5403.