The following is a reprint from my new blog called "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb":

President George W. Bush in "superior health" as avid exerciser

President George W. Bush received his annual physical examination on Saturday at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and was found to be in "superior" shape because of his regular workout schedule and healthy eating habits.

The 59-year-old Bush lost eight pounds over the past seven months, lowering the body weight of his 5'11" frame to 192 pounds. During last year's reelection campaign, Bush complained he was often forced to eat such junk foods as doughnuts which attributed to a six-pound increase in his weight at the end of last year.

White House spokesman Dana Perino responded to reporters' questions regarding Bush's health.

"He's in superior health," Perino said regarding the president. "I think you all know he's got a terrific fitness routine."

That fitness routine includes cycling, elliptical training, light treadmill work, weight lifting and stretching six days a week. As a result, Bush has been able to keep himself in excellent physical shape while leading the United States. The president is setting a good example for others to follow regarding weight maintenance through regular exercise.

Bush's overall cholesterol increased slightly from 170 to 178, with a slight dip in the HDL "good" cholesterol and a minor rise in the LDL "bad" cholesterol.

I thought my heart rate was low until I discovered that President Bush's resting heart rate is 47 beat per minute. All of that exercise he participates in has undoubtedly contributed to his incredible heart rate. Last week, I measured my resting heart rate and it was 45 bpm, very similar to Bush's.

Bush's body fat dropped from 18.25 down to 15.79. The president does not drink any alcholic beverages and limits his caffeine intake to coffee and diet sodas.

"I'm feeling pretty good," Bush exclaimed to reporters as he was leaving the hospital.

The nine-doctor panel led by Bush's personal doctor Richard Tubb examined the leader of the free world and said in a statement that there is "every reasonable expectation that [President Bush] will remain fit for duty for the duration of his presidency."

They added that Bush has a "low" to "very low" risk of getting heart disease.

It's nice to see the President of the United States leading by example regarding good health and physical fitness. Now if we can just get him and other elected officials to see how livin' la vida low-carb could help with the obesity problem in the United States, then we might start getting somewhere. But you can't blame Bush for our nation's poor health! :-)