It’s easy to see that Hazel Griffin has recovered successfully from two total knee replacements. At 82, she walks 2½ to 3 miles a week and is actively involved in her community as a member of the Andalusia City Council.

With every detail of her appearance “just so” and her energetic public service, it might be tempting to think that Griffin came through surgery so well on force of personality alone, as though she wouldn’t have it any other way.

But when you ask, Griffin does not think she’s exceptional – she gives the credit to short-term rehab at a skilled nursing care center, a service that is widely available throughout Alabama. She did her rehab stays at Andalusia Manor, and her friends would tell you that she is quite an evangelist for that type of rehab setting. “If I can get ahold of them in time, they’ll go,” she said.