Yu's health found `absolutely normal'

Doctors said Premier Yu Shyi-kun was in "absolutely normal" health after the 54-year-old underwent his annual checkup at National Taiwan University Hospital yesterday.

"We found the premier to be in absolutely normal condition after undertaking medical exams such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, X-rays, a heart ultrasound and gastroscopy," said Chen Ming-feng (陳明豐), deputy director and spokesman for the hospital.

The premier started his medical checkup at 8am and the results of the tests were announced at 3pm.

According to Chen, the premier weighs 78.5kg and stands 175.2cm tall. His number of heart beats per minute is 72 and blood pressure reading is 128 over 70.

Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers. The first number is called the "systolic blood pressure" reading, representing the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts. The second number is called the "diastolic blood pressure" reading, and it represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.

Yu brushed aside talk that he had the checkup because of his forthcoming trip to Central America.

"It was time to have an annual checkup," he said. "I would still have to do it even if I wasn't taking the trip."

Cabinet Spokesman Chuang Suo-hang (莊碩漢) said the premier had a reason to have his annual checkup yesterday. "Because the legislature is in a summer recess, the premier has more free time," he said.

Although Yu managed to lose 4kg over the past 19 months, Chen said the premier still needs to exercise and eat healthy foods.

"My advice for the premier is to avoid foods with high cholesterol, salt, sugar and fat and opt for green vegetables, fruits and fiber," he said. "Exercise is equally important. My advice for him is to take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to have a brisk walk or any kind of exercise that doesn't require much exercise equipment."

The premier used to enjoy swimming and playing tennis, according to Chuang.

"But now he takes a walk in the front yard of his official residence before going to work in the morning," he said.

Commenting on Yu's health, Chuang said he has hardly seen the premier take any afternoon naps over the past five months since taking office on Feb. 1.

"Except for a two-hour rest he took when he caught a cold in May, he's always on the move," Chuang said.