The book, Open Heart is a doctor’s account of going from almost dead after a triple bypass surgery at age 61 to feats of herculean strength—the kind that would be daunting even for those far younger than him.

Open Heart is a laudable book that simultaneously falls into many genres: motivational, health, fitness, holistic healing (mind-body-spirit, diet, lifestyle) and even a bit of nature and environment.

Following a cardiac bypass ten years ago, DR. AKIL TAHER overcome physical challenges by running marathons, climbing mountains, and jumping out of airplanes. Lately, after becoming interested in the subtle interactions between nature and well-being, he spent eight days at the Anahata Healing Art Center (AHAC), an ashram in southern India.

It is often said that the only difference between "wanting it" and "living it", is "believing that you can live it." This statement epitomizes 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.

Then there’s the indomitable 67-year-old Akil Taher who has landed from the US to run his last full marathon in Mumbai. For someone who ran his first marathon six years ago and eight months after an open-heart surgery, Taher’s key offering is his spirit, apart from supporting the Bombay Medical Aid Foundation.

Dr. Akil Taher underwent bypass heart surgery six years ago and decided to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the six years since his surgery he has run the prestigious Chicago and Boston marathons, triathlons, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and completed the Mt Kailash/Mansarovar Yatra on foot. His indomitable spirit extends to ensuring that support is provided to the Bombay Medical Aid Foundation, whom he will be representing this year, in his last Full Marathon.

Born Again at 61 - After Open Heart Surgery! Marathons. Mountain treks. A triathlon. Sky diving. Hang gliding and scuba diving. By any standards, that’s a pretty hefty list of accomplishments for any individual. How much more impressive, then, that the credit for this list of high endurance activities goes to Dr. AKIL TAHER, a heart patient in his sixties!

Dr. Akil Taher celebrated his 66th birthday on March 27. Taher says triple bypass surgery in 2009 marked the time he began truly living, though. More than just a procedure to clear out blocked arteries, the surgery transformed his life.

Dr. Akil Taher celebrated his 66th birthday on March 27, yet it wasn’t until about five years ago that he felt he truly began living. It was five years ago that Taher, who has been practicing medicine in Gadsden since the early 1990s, had triple bypass surgery.