Who says people with heart disease can’t live full, active lives?

San Bruno resident Tim Higgins is living proof that they can. After a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery in 1994, Tim quickly regained his health and resumed his activities as a family man, business owner and competitive golfer.

In fact, he became known for his healthy lifestyle after appearing in a Bayer Aspirin commercial on national television.

But he didn’t do it alone.

Tim, 61, says his participation in Mills-Peninsula’s cardiac rehabilitation program was a major part of his recovery.

“The rehab program is the best thing a person with heart disease can do,” says Tim. “It gets you started on the right lifestyle habits. And the staff is tremendous.”

“The cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to help individuals who’ve just had an acute cardiac event. It helps them recover and improve their health through diet, exercise, relaxation, education and group support,” says Helen Chaknova, an advanced practice nurse and director of the Health and Fitness Center.

“People with chronic heart disease who manage their condition can absolutely live vibrant, healthy lives,” she adds.

The program can last 12 weeks and serves up to 300 new participants a year. People can choose between rehabilitation facilities at Peninsula Medical Center and Mills Health Center.

“The program changed my life for the better,” says Tim, who also loves to sail, swim and travel with his wife, Rachael. “It really taught me how to live well.”