Posted on 09/08/2002 6:09:59 AM PDT by badfreeper
A Florida doctor is on his way to Europe after helping a patient live to see his 100th birthday.
Israel Haimowitz, who celebrated his 100th birthday this week, told his doctor 15 years ago he would buy him an overseas trip if he lived to see the day.
"He wanted to [reward me and] buy the ticket, but I really didn't want to take his money," said the physician, Dr. Robert Drimmer, from his clinic in Coconut Creek, Fla., about 100 kilometres north of Miami.
"He insisted. He even arranged for a travel agent to call me up, so I'm going next June."
Mr. Haimowitz retired to Florida 17 years ago, after a long career as a successful travelling furniture salesman based in Brooklyn, N.Y. He turned 100 on Thursday.
He says drinking two ounces of cognac every day is the secret of his success: He has included the brandy in his daily routine for 60-odd years, after a doctor suggested it. Every afternoon he sits down with a glass of cognac (the brand varies) and five Danish butter cookies.
"I'm in fairly good shape," Mr. Haimowitz said. "The only thing I can't take is I'm tired all the time, I'm sleepy all the time and lazy all the time."
The centenarian still lives on his own and just renewed his driver's licence. However, he only drives his 12-year-old tan Oldsmobile to the grocery store, gas station and doctor's office. He visits Dr. Drimmer once a month, like clockwork.
"He's a real character," Dr. Drimmer said. "He comes in [and] hands me a list of questions, always the same questions every time: Why am I so tired? Why do I urinate so much? Can I have my cognac? Can I cuddle my girlfriend?"
Mr. Haimowitz's wife died 10 years ago. He spends most of his time with his companion, 83-year-old Irma Goldkorn.
Mr. Haimowitz and his doctor have already struck a deal should Mr. Haimowitz reach his 105th birthday: A free trip to Hawaii.
© Copyright 2002 National Post
The place mentioned is 30 miles North of Miami, whats that 40 klicks....depends on what roads you take...but not 100k.
used to live there...Coconut Creek...by the way theres no creek.
You can come back now, all's forgive. : )
"Being of sound mind and body.....
....I spent it all while I was still alive."
I've got a lot in common with this guy.
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