Medical Exam: Obama Is 'Fit for Duty'

But he should continue smoking cessation, lower cholesterol
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 28, 2010 11:50 AM CST
Medical Exam: Obama Is 'Fit for Duty'
In this Oct. 31, 2009, file photo President Barack Obama leaves the physical fitness center at Ft. McNair in Washington, after playing basketball, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009.   (Susan Walsh)

President Obama is in "excellent health" and "fit for duty," the White House physician said today after the 48-year-old commander in chief's first checkup since he took office. According to a White House release, Navy Capt. Jeffrey Kuhlman recommended that Obama "continue smoking cessation efforts" and modify his exercise regimen to strengthen his leg muscles to overcome occasional pain from chronic tendinitis in his left leg. Obama's stats:

  • Cholesterol: The doctor said the president should modify his diet to bring his LDL, or bad cholesterol, below 130. Total cholesterol was 209, with HDL down slightly at 62. LDL was up to 138.
  • Next visit: The president need not return for a physical until August 2011—after he turns 50.
  • Vitals: Obama is 6-feet,1-inch, and weighs 180 pounds in shoes and exercise clothing. His pulse rate is 56, which is very good, as is his blood pressure—105 over 62. He has 20/20 vision.
  • The presidential colon: The president was checked for and found free of colon cancer with a virtual colonoscopy.

(More President Obama stories.)

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