Bush Has Cyst Removed; Otherwise in Good Health

--President Bush had a cyst treated on a right finger during a routine physical examination today, but otherwise was pronounced “in extremely sound physical condition” by his doctor.

The 64-year-old Bush, who had said Tuesday that he “never felt better in my life,” underwent his first medical checkup as President at Bethesda Naval Medical Center in suburban Maryland.

Shortly after Bush returned from the three-hour examination, the White House press office issued a statement from his personal physician, Dr. Burton Lee, giving the President a clean bill of health.

“President Bush is in extremely sound physical condition,” Lee said. “He keeps fit through a number of physical activities, which we recommend he continue on a regular basis.”

The statement said a cyst on the third finger of his right hand was drained. “The President is wearing a Band-Aid on the finger, which he can remove within the next few hours,” Lee said. “This cyst has been present for many years and does not present a medical problem.”

Rain forced Bush to travel to the hospital by motorcade, but he flew back by helicopter. He sprang down the chopper steps and jauntily waved at reporters and staff and headed straight to his office to work.

He smiled broadly and jabbed both thumbs skyward when reporters shouted over the helicopter’s whirring to ask how he felt.

He shook his head and waved off questions about his intentions toward Panama as he strode across a soggy White House lawn to the Oval Office.

Today’s statement said that a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram, blood samples and a urinalysis all appeared normal.

The checkup showed mild degenerative arthritis of the hip, but the statement noted that the condition “has been present for several years.”