When Darin Santangelo, executive director of procedural services at AdventHealth Orlando, started training for an Ironman, he said he couldn’t run to his mailbox. Now, he competes in what’s widely known as one of the most difficult one-day athletic events in the world.

While his motivation was sparked by an organizational culture committed to health and wellness, his drive comes from his family. “I have a disabled daughter, so it keeps me in shape to care for her,” Santangelo said.

In this episode of the Inspiring Wholeness podcast, presented by AdventHealth in partnership with the Orlando Business Journal, Santangelo joins Russell Gaither, sports performance program manager, AdventHealth, to discuss finding your inner Ironman.

Listen to this episode to hear about Santangelo’s pursuit of an extraordinary goal, how to start an exercise routine even if you’re a beginner, staying motivated, training, building endurance safely and Ironman lessons he applies to the workplace.

AdventHealth has provided whole-person care for 115 years. Today, our services, including cancer, cardiac, neurosurgery, orthopedics and a dedicated women’s and children’s hospital are rated among the nation’s best. Learn more at feelhealthyfeelwhole.com.

Disclaimer
AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal are providing this podcast as a public benefit. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any professional advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal. The views expressed by our guests are their own. Their participation in the podcast does not imply an endorsement by them or any entity they represent. AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequence of damages, arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content in this podcast, which is provided, as is, and without warranties.

Obie Diaz, from the Obie & Ashley In The Morning show on K92.3, was taken aback when a routine physical led to the diagnosis of a condition requiring heart surgery. He was in his 20s at the time and has since undergone two open heart surgeries.

In this episode of the Inspiring Wholeness podcast, presented by AdventHealth in partnership with the Orlando Business Journal, Diaz joins his surgeon, Dr. Kevin Accola, cardiac and thoracic surgeon of AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute, to share the incredible, life-changing experience.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

• Deciding between a cow valve and mechanical valve (2:16)
• Common symptoms of heart problems (4:33)
• Diaz’s biggest concerns about the surgeries and how Accola helped him through them, including the opportunity to observe a heart procedure (5:52)
• Effective preventative measures for maintaining heart health (11:06)
• The connection between mental and heart health (13:32)
• How this experience has changed Diaz’s life and influenced his work as a radio personality (15:04)
• Advice to start taking care of your heart now rather than waiting for an event (16:36)

AdventHealth has provided whole-person care for 115 years. Today, our services, including cancer, cardiac, neurosurgery, orthopedics and a dedicated women’s and children’s hospital are rated among the nation’s best. Learn more at feelhealthyfeelwhole.com.

Disclaimer
AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal are providing this podcast as a public benefit. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any professional advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal. The views expressed by our guests are their own. Their participation in the podcast does not imply an endorsement by them or any entity they represent. AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequence of damages, arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content in this podcast, which is provided, as is, and without warranties.

Since Major League Pickleball’s founding in 2021, the sport has grown to encompass approximately two dozen teams across the U.S. and even more amateur players in recent days. Naturally, injuries have increased and 90% of emergency room visits related to pickleball involve players who are 50 years of age or older, according to Doug Allen, a certified athletic trainer at AdventHealth, who pointed to a study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

In this episode of the Inspiring Wholeness podcast, presented by AdventHealth in partnership with the Orlando Business Journal, Allen joined Ryan DeVos, co-owner and general manager of Orlando’s Major League Pickleball team, the Orlando Squeeze, to talk pickleball — its rise to fame, tips for playing safely and what’s next for the sport in Central Florida.

“We're trying to (create) more of a centralized hub of pickleball in the greater Central Florida area by connecting the various courts all over the city,” DeVos said.

Tune in to this podcast episode to hear more about:

• Pickleball’s rise to fame (1:53)
• What first-time pickleball players should know (6:04)
• Encouraging the next generation of players, especially as kids from various sports are getting into it (7:34)
• Common injuries and how to prevent them (10:30)
• Goals for the Orlando Squeeze (13:59)
• Advice for becoming a professional pickleball player (15:59)

AdventHealth has provided whole-person care for 115 years. Today, our services, including cancer, cardiac, neurosurgery, orthopedics and a dedicated women’s and children’s hospital are rated among the nation’s best. Learn more at feelhealthyfeelwhole.com.

Disclaimer
AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal are providing this podcast as a public benefit. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any professional advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal. The views expressed by our guests are their own. Their participation in the podcast does not imply an endorsement by them or any entity they represent. AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequence of damages, arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content in this podcast, which is provided, as is, and without warranties.