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Sunday, November 26, 2006
Arroyo healthy but slightly overweight, doctor says (8:05 p.m.)
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was declared healthy Sunday after a checkup, but her doctor said she is slightly overweight and should exercise more and watch her diet.
Doctors allowed Arroyo, 59, to be discharged from the St. Luke's Medical Center in suburban Quezon City after tests Sunday, but she decided to stay for another day to accompany her husband, who hasn't completed his routine checkup, officials said.
Arroyo was brought to the hospital Saturday for the thorough checkup, which had been postponed due to a recent Europe trip and hectic work schedule, said presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor.
Arroyo's doctor, Juliet Cervantes, said the President underwent "a thorough work-up from head to toe" and tests including a colonoscopy. The procedure is normally used to check for intestinal disorders.
"Everything was normal," Cervantes said at a news conference.
Arroyo had gained a little weight, however, and although it was still within acceptable levels, "we asked her to be a little more watchful of her weight and diet," Cervantes said.
Arroyo was hospitalized for two days in late June after suffering from diarrhea, which doctors said was triggered by stress that had lowered her resistance to infection. She was back in the hospital a month later with the flu.
Her recent hospital visits have set off speculations she may have a serious illness, possibly a liver problem, but her aides and doctor have denied such rumors.
"There is nothing to hide," Cervantes said. "There was just a lot of stories going on, but I think the numbers and results would show otherwise."
Cervantes said the President doesn't drink, but is not forbidden from taking alcohol.
Even while in her hospital bed Arroyo continued to work, her aides said.
Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said Arroyo called him late Saturday to give instruction on the agenda of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, including preparations for a summit of leaders of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be hosted by the Philippines next month. (AP)
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