A Life-Changing Discovery
Dr. Babiarz’s personal journey with Vitality began in 2007 when chronic back pain threatened his career as a surgeon. “I was building a stone wall, and after years of repetitive bending and lifting, my back couldn’t take it anymore,” he recalls. An orthopedic evaluation revealed vertebral misalignment, pinching a nerve. Doctors recommended surgery, but Joe resisted. Instead, he focused on weight loss and exercise, delaying surgery for four years.
The real turning point came when a coronary artery calcium score test at age 54 showed he had the same risk level as an average 70-year-old. “Seeing that data was shocking,” he admits. “The 10-year mortality rate for someone with my score was 40%. That moment made me rethink my entire approach to health.”
The Power of Lifestyle Changes
Determined to improve his health and live a richer, fuller life, Dr. Babiarz made key changes. He adjusted his exercise routine, reducing high-intensity CrossFit workouts and incorporating more moderate Zone 2 training—the heart rate zone at which the body burns fat most efficiently. “In addition to fat metabolism, Zone 2 training keeps your blood pressure low and reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s,” he says.
His diet also changed dramatically. “I cut out simple carbs like sugar, pasta and bread because they drive inflammation,” he says. “Instead, I focus on healthy fats and limit red meat.” He also prioritized sleep, recognizing its role in reducing inflammation and preventing diabetes.
Dr. Babiarz acknowledges that medication can play a role in longevity, too. “I used to avoid medications, but after my test results, I knew I had to take steps beyond lifestyle changes,” he says. He now takes cholesterol-lowering medication and a baby aspirin to manage arterial health.
