Bush Says His Health Is Back to Normal

President Bush on Monday said his health problems are over and he is “back, 100%.”

Bush pronounced himself physically fit on a return visit to Bethesda Naval Hospital, where he was taken on May 4 because of an irregular heartbeat. He was later diagnosed as having a thyroid disorder.

“I’m glad we don’t have to stay this time,” the 67-year-old Bush joked as he presided at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for newly constructed quarters for military families who visit seriously ill patients.

In the early stages of his treatment, Bush avoided strenuous activity. However, on Monday he offered this report of his weekend at Camp David:

“I played three hard sets of tennis, ran two miles, hit some golf balls and, so lest there be any doubts about the efficiency of naval medicine . . . I’m back, 100%.”

Bush said he received a letter from farmers saying he would not have gotten sick had he eaten broccoli--which the President says he despises. “I would rather risk refibrillation (irregular heartbeat), but that’s my position,” he said.

Afterward, Bush spoke at the ceremonial swearing in of Bernadine Healy as director of the National Institutes of Health, also in Bethesda. She has been on the job since April.

He called on Americans to drink less, smoke less and exercise more.