President Joe Biden’s doctor said Thursday that the US leader is a “healthy and vigorous 80-year-old” who remains fit for duty after a medical examination at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
“President Biden remains a healthy and vigorous man at 80, fit to successfully carry out the duties of the presidency, including those of chief executive, head of state and commander in chief,” said Dr. Kevin O’Connor. he wrote in a statement after a thorough review by the president.
O’Connor said the “most telling story” from Biden’s last doctor’s visit in November 2021 was his COVID infections last year.
Biden tested positive for COVID on July 21, then found a rebound coronavirus case nine days later. O’Connor said the fact that Biden has been fully vaccinated with two booster shots means he is only suffering from mild symptoms. Biden also received the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
“The president has not seen any residual symptoms that could be considered ‘long covid,'” O’Connor said.
O’Connor said Biden underwent skin cancer surveillance and “a small lesion” on his chest was removed and sent for biopsy testing.
The doctor added that Biden maintains an active workout regimen at least five days a week and does not consume alcohol or tobacco.
During the medical examination, Biden underwent a thorough neurological exam, which appeared “reassuring,” the doctor said.
“There were no findings consistent with any cerebellar neurological disorders or other central neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or ascending lateral sclerosis,” O’Connor said.
Biden is also receiving treatment for several other conditions, including a stiff gait and high cholesterol.
The doctor noted that Biden continues to sometimes have “symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, mainly due to the need to clear his throat more often,” adding that the lung exam remains clear.
Biden’s age has come under scrutiny as he weighs a re-election bid. Biden, who would have turned 86 at the end of a potential second term, dismissed concerns about his age, telling PBS’ Judy Woodruff in a recent interview: “Look at me.”
“Look, I’m a big respecter of fate,” she said earlier this month. “I would be completely, completely honest with the American people if I thought there was any health issue, anything that would prevent me from being able to do the job.”
Biden’s height was measured at 6 feet and his weight at 178 pounds.
Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations, officially launched her 2024 presidential campaign this week, calling for “a new generation of leaders”.
“You don’t have to be 80 to get to Washington,” Haley he told NBC’s Craig Melvinin a veiled jab at Biden and 2024 GOP rival Donald Trump, who is 76.
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