Alabama: It is often said that the only difference between "wanting it" and "living it", is "believing that you can live it". This statement epitomiSes Akil Taherbhai - the 68-year-old physician from Alabama. He has done everything from triathlons to skydiving, hang gliding and scuba diving- and not during his youth, but after going through open-heart surgery at 61.
In addition to being an outdoors enthusiast, Dr Taherbhai is a very active philanthropist. He is also involved with the Atlanta Chapter of the American India Foundation, which is committed to disrupting poverty and catalysing social and economic change in India, through interventions in education, livelihoods and public health.
Question: You changed your lifestyle at 61. It is highly unlikely for people in their 60s to take such a step. What changed?
Akil Taherbhai: I was born with genetic pre-disposition to heart and kidney disease, strokes and diabetes. For most part of my life, I had a sedentary lifestyle, which was complicated with my alcohol consumption, over-eating and a type A personality. Due to these lifestyle habits, I fell victim to heart disease and had to undergo a triple- bypass surgery in 2009. In the midst of an anesthesia infused drowse, I promised the ICU nurses, that if all went well, in a year I would run a half marathon. That casual recollection was my defining moment. After the surgery I sat back and reflected on my life. Either I could continue leading my current lifestyle and face the catastrophic consequences, or I could do something positive to change my life. I chose the later. I don't know whether it was my belief or the amazing care I was given, but my recovery was remarkable. Three days post-op, I was on the treadmill! And within a week I was out having dinner with my surgeon. Even with the excruciating pain of surgery I felt good. I truly believed that I had to do something with my life. The only question remaining was what course I would take, and I chose running. For me it was a classical road to self-awareness, self-reliance and self-consciousness. Eight months after surgery I run my first half marathon in Nashville, TN.
Question: Of all your adventures, which one has been most interesting and why?
Akil Taherbhai: Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain was physically and mentally the most challenging, but never the less humbling experience. The hike requires you to climb through five ecological zones, ranging from tropical to Arid to Arctic at the peak. At this highest point, there is only ice and rock, and no animal life. The temperatures range from 0 to 15 °F, and the oxygen level is half of what is found at sea level. Taking every step during this journey was a massive task in itself. Climbing Kili made me realise my true capability and extents to which I am able to push my established limits. Also during my hike, I witnessed the thinning snow caps - this was the first time I actually realised the devastating effects of global warming.
A very close second was the Triathlon at Lake Lanier in the state of Georgia. A triathlon has three disciplines running, swimming and biking. Running I was ready for; but to learning to ride a road bike and swimming in the cold waters in lake Lanier were something else. I not only completed it, but also stood second in my age group. It taught me an important lesson- Nothing is impossible.
Question: What do you think was most instrumental in getting you through the adventurous challenges you have sought out?
Akil Taherbhai: Faith in myself. Belief in a higher power. Training, persistence and dedication. Reminding myself to constantly keep mind over matter.
Question: Tell us about your last marathon- your first in India.
Akil Taherbhai: I was born in Mumbai and spent the early years of my life there. After all this time I felt that I had to give back to my hometown. This January, I ran the Standard Chartered Half Marathon to raise money for the Bombay Medical Aid Foundation - an organisation dedicated to providing free medical services to those suffering from heart disease, regardless of color, caste or creed. I also had the pleasure of being joined by my daughter Anushka Gehi.
Question: How has your lifestyle change influenced your career? Do you feel that it helps or proves to be a distraction?
Akil Taherbhai: It helps a 100%. Now as a physician, I use my experiences to inspire/motivate my patients; especially those with serious health problems - to live better, eat well, work out and above all practice moderation. I have also started listening more. I want my cardiac patients to know that life does not end after cardiac surgery; if anything you just got your equipment cleaned, so time to outrun those 20 year olds!
Many of my patients are tired, depressed, anxious, unhappy and unbalanced. I truly believe that physical activity, walking, running, yoga, biking etc can be their anti-depressants. I see kids excited about their video games and latest tech gadgets. I want them to go outside ride their bikes and play with their friends.
Question: Instead of always making dates to go to a restaurant, why not go for walks?
Akil Taherbhai: Instead of super-sizing all our foods, let's eat a piece of fruit and really enjoy it.
I do not want them to climb mountains or run marathons but I want them to be more pro-active about taking charge of their health. 30 minutes of exercise a day can reduce your chances of getting cancer, heart disease, cognitive decline, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Question: Any tips for the readers interested in taking up similar lifestyle changes?
Akil Taherbhai: Take time to listen to yourself. Know what is going on with you. It is all about body balance. Your body's balance. Don't be in such a rush that you completely neglect yourself.
Let your mind take your body to places you never thought you would be able to. We belittle our minds but if we give it a chance, we'll see it is amazing.
Reduce stress by focusing on meditation, yoga , spirituality, breathing and stretching exercises. Do not expect instant gratification after an activity or lifestyle change. The changes come in the long run- and those are amazing.
(Mehaque Kohli recently graduated from UCLA [University of California, Los Angeles] with a deep passion for social change and international development)
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