US President Joe Biden, 80, was declared healthy and “fit for duty” by doctors on Thursday after undergoing a physical exam that removed a small skin growth on his chest. Doctors say the president has no symptoms of the so-called “long covid”, which often affects patients who have had COVID-19.
Biden contracted the coronavirus last year.
“The president remains fit to serve and fully discharges all of his duties without exception or concession,” White House physician Kevin O’Connor said in a medical report.
The president’s medical exam results have come under scrutiny as Biden is expected to announce his 2024 presidential nomination soon. The doctor’s report also says his somewhat stiff gait hasn’t worsened since. the last review in November 2021.
Biden himself said the physical went well. ” Everything went very well. Thank goodness for the little favors,” he jokingly told NBC News.
The physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, located in suburban Washington, was the president’s second extensive examination since taking office in January 2021.
Biden takes a Crestor statin to keep his cholesterol low, a blood thinner for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation, and medication for seasonal allergies and heartburn, the doctor said.
“A small lump was removed from the president’s chest with liquid nitrogen and sent for a biopsy,” O’Connor said.
Biden’s weight has dropped by 2.7kg – from 83kg in November 2021 to 80.7kg today. Body mass index decreased from 25 to 24.1 and blood pressure increased slightly: from 120/70 to 126/78.
Asked about concerns over Biden’s age, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, “He’s a president who works day in and day out, grueling with a job of the grueling time, and gets results”.
About three-quarters of Americans, including more than half of Democrats and a large majority of Republicans, think Biden is too old to be president, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Feb. 6-13. The majority of Democratic respondents said the president remains mentally stable, but about half believe he cannot cope with the physical challenges faced by all heads of state.
