Seventy-four-year-old Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders has released a letter from his attending physician that describes him as “overall in very good health.” What a pleasant surprise!
Politico points out that Bernie, who will be 75 on inauguration day, would be the oldest person elected to the presidency. But! The letter, made public only a few days ahead of the Iowa caucuses, describes Sanders as weighing 179 pounds—trim!—a blood pressure of 136/81 mmHg—normal!—and a total cholesterol of 196 mg/dL—pretty great, pal!
Sanders’ doctor, Brian P. Monahan, MD, also included that his patient has been treated for “gout, hypercholesterolemia, diverticulitis, hypothyroidism, lumbar strain,” and “a complete removal of superficial skin tumors.” Bernie has also been treated for “laryngitis secondary to esophageal reflux,” which is approximately the least surprising medical diagnosis I have ever heard.
The letter continues:
Your current medications include daily levothyroxine, and intermittent use of indomethacin. You do not use tobacco and use alcohol infrequently. Your most recent colonoscopy was normal. You are up-to-date on recommended vaccinations.
You are in overall very good health and active in your professional work, and recreational lifestyle without limitation.
Now this, of course, is nowhere near the shining diagnosis released by Donald Trump’s doctor in December, who proclaimed that, “If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual elected to the presidency.” But, you know, gout and disintegrating vocal chords aside, it seems like Bernie is in notably not-bad shape.
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Image via Associated Press.
