Two Hearts, One Goal
Dr. Sharonne Hayes and Dr. David Hayes
Mayo Clinic
Rochestor, Minnesota

We all know what it's like to have our doctors tell us how we should eat and exercise on a regular basis. Have you ever wondered if your doctor takes their own advice? We had the opportunity to document not only one superstar cardiologist, but two superstar cardiologists from the Mayo Clinc that just happen to be husband and wife. Sometimes referred to as the “Dynamic Duo.”

Dr. Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist and founder of the Women’s Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic and Dr. David Hayes, also a cardiologist and the medical director of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, have been part of the Mayo team for over twenty years.

These two nationally respected doctors who chose to care for the heart have been husband and wife for twenty-nine years. David, a tall, almost triathlon looking athlete, who is a strict vegetarian, will admit that he and his wife Sharonne are a tad bit competitive. In the past five years they have devised a workout routine that allows them to not only spend time together but to watch some of their favorite television shows as well.

This is how it plays out: David and Sharonne will decide who will use what piece of equipment (elliptical, treadmill, exercise bike), they workout for about forty-five minutes, pushing toward a high instensity cardio workout level (actually David has a goal of 600 calories per workout).  It is not uncommon for one of their dogs, Jake, a Cairn Terrier that looks like he stepped off the set of “The Wizard of Oz”, will jump on the treadmill and join in the workout.

We sat down with Dr. David Hayes and Dr. Sharonne Hayes as they snuggled on the couch together and listened to them reflect on how important it is to not only remain actively healthy but to do it together. It is clear to see that there is a great message here for all married couples who find themselves as empty-nesters as David and Sharonne have a desire to stay as healthy as possible as they grow old together.