Is it irony? Or proof that everybody needs Let's Move!, First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to encourage America to eat better? Yesterday, during his first routine physical since taking office, President Obama was found to be "fit for duty," despite a cholesterol count that has risen to borderline high levels since his last medical records were publicly released in July of 2008. The cholesterol rise is being attributed to the President's diet.Update: On Monday afternoon, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs spent a lot of time answering more questions about the President's eating habits.
When briefing reporters on the President's exam at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that although President Obama frequently eats healthy meals prepared by assistant White House chef Sam Kass, he also indulges in around-the-clock food available to him during long workdays at the White House.
“I think it’s a few more burgers and a few more desserts over the past year,” Gibbs said, about the President's cholesterol rise.
In 2009, the President made some very high-profile public burger runs, and he nicknamed White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses "The Crustmaster," due to his exceptionally good pies. Gibbs didn't advise reporters on what steps the President would take to combat the cholesterol increase; Mrs. Obama has advised the world that small changes make a big difference when creating healthier eating habits. She's also been quick to note that burgers, fries, and dessert have a place in everybody's life, when speaking about healthier food choices. (Above: The President gives a thumbs up to reporters who asked about his medical exam, as he returned to the White House yesterday morning)
A medical team led by Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, a Navy captain, performed the early morning physical on the President. The President's pulse rate and blood pressure remain within normal limits, according to the medical report. He is 73 inches tall, and weighs 179.9 pounds (with shoes and workout attire). His resting heart rate is 56, and his resting blood pressure is 105/62 (both seated).
Another oral issue the President is contending with: Smoking. Gibbs told reporters that the President has tried to quit, but has “admitted lapses.” President Obama chews nicotine gum, Gibbs advised, and the medical report suggests use of "nicotine replacement therapy, self-use." The medical team also recommended a healthy diet, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol intake. The President works out six days a week, according to Gibbs, and he also plays basketball and golf regularly.
Some preliminary medical testing took place prior to yesterday, and Gibbs told reporters that the physical lasted about an hour and a half. Dr. Kuhlman recommended that the President's next physical take place in August of 2011, when he turns fifty, and deemed him "likely to be able to fulfill his duties." After his physical, President Obama visited with twelve wounded warriors at the medical center, who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Update, 11:00 AM: After an event to promote high school graduation and education this morning at the US Chamber of Commerce, President Obama chose to walk back to the White House.
“I wanna make sure I’m working off some of that cholesterol," the President told the pool. "That’s a year of campaigning right there.”
*Reuters photo
