Physical Wellness

Bernie Sanders' Doctor Certifies Him To Be In 'Very Good Health'

By R. Siva Kumar | Update Date: Jan 31, 2016 03:12 PM EST

The 74-year-old Democratic presidential hopeful, Bernie Sanders, released a doctor's letter that revealed that the Vermont senator is in "overall very good health." For a number of years, though, he has been treated for many illnesses.

"You are in overall very good health and active in your professional work, and recreational lifestyle without limitation," says the letter dated Jan. 20,2016 and signed by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician of Congress. That office has been taking care of his health for 26 years, reported Politico.

Being the oldest man in the next Presidential race, he was last pitted for a physical examination on Nov.18,2015. His readings for blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and blood count were normal, as were his electrocardiogram. Monahan has also written that at 6 feet, weighing 179 pounds, Sanders has no history of cardiovascular disease, which is the main reason for the death of most Americans.

The note also referred to his earlier treatment for medical conditions including gout, slightly high cholesterol, laryngitis due to esophageal reflux, lumbar strain and total removal of superficial skin tumors.

Surgeries on him include "left and right inguinal hernias by laparoscopic technique" and removal of a cyst in his vocal cord.

At present, Sanders consumes an everyday dose of levothyroxine that is used to treat hypothyroidism. He also uses indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is often prescribed by doctors to bring down joint pain from gout and arthritis.

While Sanders does not smoke or drink heavily, he conducted a recent colonoscopy and has undergone regular vaccinations.

If Sanders wins in the White House, he would turn 75 years, becoming the oldest president in U.S. history, according to USA Today.

While candidates are not compulsorily required to release their medical history, a few of them do it just to instill confidence in the voters. Hence, the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sanders' main rival, came out with her medical records last July. She suffers from hypothyroidism and seasonal pollen allergies, taking regular anticoagulants for protection against blood clots, according to NPR. Her doctor concluded that she "is in excellent physical condition and fit to serve as President of the United States."

On the other hand, Republican Donald Trump's physician said last month that he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency."

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