Susan's keys to summer bliss

All My Children star Susan Lucci, 76, shares her tips for celebrating Independence Day-and every daywith a healthy heart, mind and body

- Bonnie Siegler

For most, this Fourth of July will be full of starspangled fun, but for Susan Lucci, it will be a time to reflect: on the sweet memory of her late husband of 53 years, Helmut, who passed away a little more than a year ago, and how he saved her life when she had a heart attack in 2022. "I thought, It's nothing, it will go away!" the star shares of the moment she felt discomfort in her rib cage, pain in her jaw and trouble breathing: symptoms akin to those she felt during her first attack in 2018.

"But Helmut insisted I call the doctor." Under her cardiologist's orders, Susan went to the ER, and not a moment too soon: By morning, she had a stent in a blocked artery.

"Now, I listen to my body. If it's not acting normal, don't sweep your symptoms under the rug. Love yourself and take care of you, inside and out!" Here, Susan's tips for nurturing your body, mind and spirit while celebrating life's sweet gifts.

STRESS RX:
Soothing self-care

Susan believes it's the simple things that relieve stress the most. "A hot bubble bath helps me. I add California Baby Bubble Bath with Chamomile," she shares.

"I also think laughter is one of the best medicines, and I'm lucky to have friends who make me laugh. Music is also great, and staying in the moment. My husband, in his adorable Austrian accent, used to say when things were a bit challenging 'After the rain, the sun, she shines! That's wonderful for me to keep in mind.”

KEEPS BONES HEALTHY: A daily dose of movement

"Exercise serves two purposes for me," explains the former Dancing With the Stars contestant. "It gives good results for my body-sculpting, but it also reduces my stress." Pilates has been Susan's go-to for years. "I do that six days a week. I do mat Pilates and work with free weights for my upper body.