Thoughts and prayers for Mylous

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - We've been focused on the heart at News 4 with the recent heart attack of our co-worker Mylous Hairston.

We are happy to report Mylous is now home from the hospital and resting after suffering a mild heart attack last Tuesday.

He is under doctor's orders to take it easy for the next week. He then begins cardiac rehab to ease back into his fitness routine.

He promises to take it slowly and not run any marathons any time soon.

Mylous hopes to be back in the anchor chair soon.

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The thoughts of our News 4 family are with our friend and colleague, Mylous Hairston. Mylous suffered a mild heart attack this week, and is now recovering.

Hairston said, "I got lucky, very lucky."

Mylous is counting his blessings after a serious health scare. It began on Sunday, while he was anchoring the news.

Hairston said, "I didn't feel well, had tightness in the chest and pain in the left side of my neck, thought it was stress-related."

But the pain didn't go away. Still, Mylous went to gym on Monday and on Tuesday. It just so happens he had a previously scheduled annual physical. After an EKG, his doctor gave him life-shattering and life-changing news.

Hairston said, "(The) next words out of her mouth, 'I'm calling an ambulance, you're going to the hospital. It really got my heart beating at that point." (laughs)

Doctors inserted two sets of stents into the arteries in Mylo's heart, and Thursday he got the diagnosis - he indeed suffered a mild heart attack.

Hairston said, "A lot of things go through your mind, but I'm thinking I work out all the time. I lost weight. I pretty much watch what I eat."

And that's where it's hard to reconcile. Mylous was in great shape. Three years ago, he began an intensive training program, lost more than 40 pounds and even ran a marathon in 2007.

And as a journalist, Mylous now has a message, a warning for everyone about the symptoms of a heart attack, "When you feel something is wrong, when something doesn't feel right, especially in your chest, go see a doctor."

Mylous is grateful for the well-wishes on his Facebook page , and after about four weeks of cardiac rehab he intends to get back to his life.

Hairston said, "You can't live your life scared. You have to do what you have to do. I was in good shape before this happened, so I'm not going to let it slow me down."

Mylous has been reading the comments you've left on WIVB.com. Feel free to add your thoughts and best wishes below.