Aquino in good health condition, says official

President Benigno S. Aquino III is in the pink of health and the public should not worry about his health condition, a Palace official said Wednesday.
The Philippine Medical Association, expressing concern over the President’s health condition, had advised the President to undergo a full executive check-up after his coughing episode during his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
But Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that there is no concern over the health of the President and he could very well fulfill his function as chief executive.
“The President is in good condition, good health. Sa haba ng pagsasalita niya, walang patid na talumpati, siguro naman kahit sino ay masasamid o mauubo nang kaunti,” he said.
Still health experts underscored the need for the chief executive to be always in tip-top shape as he confronts enormous tasks with limited time to rest. It was noted that speaking lengthily, as the President did last Monday, could dry up the pharynx which leads to coughing. Pharynx dryness without lubrication is what stimulates the coughing reflex.
Considering the age of the President, who is in his 50’s, a chronic smoker and with a family history of cancer, are the reasons for him to undergo a full executive checkup, they added.
The President’s mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, died of colon cancer on August 2009.
An executive checkup involves a complete physical examination and consultation by a qualified physician. (PNA)