Member Snapshot
Larry and Rosemary Tormey, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Larry and Rosemary Tormey, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

For Larry and Rosemary Tormey of Wall, N.J., health and life are cherished gifts. "I had a heart attack in 2002 and was treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center," 72-year-old Larry recalls. "I learned of Wise & Well and discovered it offered programs that would teach me how to change my habits. I love the name — it means exactly what it says."

"I attend many of the programs with Larry," adds his wife, Rosemary, age 71. "Since Dr. Richard Neibart was Larry’s cardiac surgeon, I went to his lecture on women and heart disease. Not long after, I also turned to Meridian for its outstanding heart care." After experiencing shortness of breath and a lack of energy, Rosemary was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and treated with a pacemaker and internal defibrillator.

Due to their shared history of heart disease, the pair has dedicated themselves to healthy eating and regular exercise. They recently attended Cooking with Heart, a unique program offered through Meridian Health and Whole Foods Market. "The class taught us that you can still enjoy flavor when cooking healthily," Larry says.

"The Wise & Well program is just another example of the great humanity of Meridian Health," Larry continues. "I met Meridian CEO John Lloyd at the elevator one day. He got behind my gurney and pushed me all the way to radiology. You should have seen the look on the tech’s face when the big boss pushed me in," he laughs. "It just goes to show that Meridian provides quality care from all levels."