The Wichita State men’s basketball team celebrated its eighth win of the season, defeating Eastern Kentucky 88-57. After the game, head coach Paul Mills shifted the focus from basketball to something more personal—his recent health scare.
Mills, 53, began his postgame remarks by sharing a significant moment from his life. He revealed that earlier in December, he suffered a cardiac event and had to undergo emergency heart surgery. “I ignored some warning signs, but fortunately, I took action when I did,” he explained.
The incident happened after a game on December 6 against Northern Iowa. While celebrating with players, Mills felt intense chest pain and difficulty breathing. He struggled through the locker room and hardly made it onto the team bus.
A winter storm complicated their return to Wichita, but they eventually arrived at home around 1 a.m. Concerned about his health, Mills went to the hospital, where doctors discovered his right coronary artery was completely blocked. He later underwent surgery, receiving three stents to restore blood flow.
Mills expressed his gratitude for the timely medical care he received. “If things had gone differently, this could have been a very somber holiday for my family,” he said, emphasizing the importance of medical check-ups.
He concluded his talk with a powerful message: “Pursue life vigorously and don’t skip those physicals.”
Heart disease is becoming an increasing concern in America. According to the CDC, around 697,000 people died from heart disease in 2020, making it the leading cause of death. Incidents like Mills’s underline the importance of paying attention to our bodies and seeking help when we feel something is wrong.
By sharing his story, Mills not only informed fans about his journey but also raised awareness about heart health—a vital topic for everyone.
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