The secret to longevity isn't elite athleticism, it’s "knowing your numbers" and finding your team
March 25, 2026 - As the Bay Area prepares for the global spotlight of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, El Camino Health and the San Jose Earthquakes are shifting the conversation from the elite athletes on the pitch to lifelong success for the "community athletes" in the stands. Today, the two organizations are sharing a recipe for a longer, healthier life for every member of the community.
"The most important thing to realize is to stay true to your health because it truly is our wealth," said Julee Arbuckle, clinical manager of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Wellness Center at El Camino Health, "It's important to have partnerships to meet our mission for the community to be healthy; lifelong fitness is a team sport."
Arbuckle leads a healthcare team that works mainly with people who have had a sudden health crisis and need to get back to health. She says the lessons work for people at every fitness level and encourages people to be proactive about starting a healthy routine.
- Exercise Smarter, not harder. For long-term health, move away from the old adage, "no pain, no gain" and just make sure you exercise consistently, using all parts of your body.
- Strength is your secret weapon. Aerobic exercise is important, but strength and balance training are what prevent frailty and injury as you age. Maintaining muscle and bone health depends on strength training and protein-based fuel for your body.
- Connection is the key. People are more likely to exercise consistently if it is fun and there are others to encourage you and share your healthy lifestyle priorities.
It is never too late to get started, and sooner is better, as one Quakes fan learned after a sudden health crisis.
Sudip Nag, a lifelong soccer enthusiast and avid San Jose Earthquakes fan, had an active life and felt fit, but admittedly neglected the "numbers" of preventative health. In 2024, Nag suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while hiking. His life was saved by a passing physician who performed immediate CPR, followed by rehabilitation at El Camino Health's Cardiac and Pulmonary Wellness Center.
"I never thought it would happen to me," said Nag. "I had the intention to be healthy, but the execution was patchy because of work and life. El Camino Health didn't just give me exercises; they gave me the knowledge and confidence to take ownership of my health. Now, I'm back in the stands cheering for the Quakes, not just surviving, but thriving."
And Sudip makes his regular checkups a priority and watches his numbers for warning signs inside his body. It’s all part of his lifelong health plan.
Building a Lifelong Health Plan
To inspire the community to prioritize their health, El Camino Health and the Earthquakes offer these tips for a high-quality life:
- Know Your Numbers: Tracking your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index as well as regular doctor visits and screenings are essential to taking control of your health. As Sudip learned, you cannot always feel what is happening inside your body.
- The 150-Minute Rule: The American College of Cardiology recommends 150 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise weekly.
- Train for Strength: Beyond cardio, strength training is vital for balance and preventing frailty as we age.
- Fuel Your Performance: Focus on a foundation of fresh vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins. "You are what you eat," adds Arbuckle.
- Learn CPR: Immediate action saves lives. Sudip's survival was made possible because someone nearby knew how to respond.
"Our goal is to be proactive, not reactive," says Arbuckle, "Sudip's journey is a powerful reminder that good health means a good life. Whether you are a high-functioning athlete or someone who has never stepped into a gym, the key to longevity is consistency, discipline, and understanding that small changes lead to big results."
The partnership between El Camino Health and the San Jose Earthquakes demonstrates the importance of a continuum of care. Together the two local organizations lead prevention programs like "Get EQ Fit" in local schools teaching your people how to develop healthy eating and exercise habits for life.
Digital Assets Available for Media:
- Video Interviews and B-roll footage Sudip Nag shares the details of his recovery story and see him as an active fan at a Quakes match. Julee Arbuckle shares the details of how her team builds a healthy lifestyle plan.
- High-res photos of Sudip Nag and Julee Arbuckle in El Camino Health’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Wellness Center.
- Blog: "Your Health is Your Wealth: Building Your Personal Blueprint for a Quality Life,”
By Julee Arbuckle, Clinical Manager, Cardiac and Pulmonary Wellness Center.
About El Camino Health
El Camino Health has served the communities of Silicon Valley and the South Bay for more than 60 years, with nationally recognized physicians and nurses at two not-for-profit acute care hospitals in Los Gatos and Mountain View, and 28 care locations across the region, which includes primary care, multi-specialty care, and urgent care. El Camino Health is dedicated to giving patients high-quality care utilizing the most advanced technology and research. As your healthcare partner of choice, we focus on keeping you healthy and getting you back on your feet when you need it, so you can live your best life.
Key Services Include:
- Cancer care
- Cardiovascular care
- Maternity care
- Mental health and addiction services
- Orthopedics
- Pulmonology
- Urology
- Women's health
Women's health Awards & Achievements:
- Named one of the World's Best Hospitals 2026 by Newsweek
- Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report
- San Francisco Bay Area's first Magnet hospital for nursing excellence
- Among fewer than 2% of hospitals nationwide to receive Five Magnet designations
To learn more, visit elcaminohealth.org.
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