Dear Dad

The health nut didn't fall far from the tree. I learned from my father's example of an active life filled with volunteering, hobbies & friendship.

- AMY BRIGHTFIELD 

I come from a family of doctors and hypochondriacs. I grew up listening to my grandmother talk about her colonoscopies, and my mother sent me to sleepaway camp and college armed with a cooler pack of vitamins and over-the-counter remedies-just in case. My dad, Sumner, is an eye doctor and surgeon, and, ironically, the one who stressed the least about getting sick. Over my career as a health journalist, I've written and edited so many stories on how to live a long, healthy life, and the advice generally stays the same. Thinking about my dad this Father's Day, I realize why, at 84, he's as vibrant and engaged in life as ever: He embodies all the big ways to live healthfully. He also showed me that eating right, exercising, and pursuing what you love don't always come easy.

Be involved in your community Even with their busy home and work schedules, my dad and mom were, and still are, active residents of Augusta, GA, where I grew up. They've volunteered countless hours in local organizations that support the arts as well as groups that give underprivileged children access to the arts and music.