[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[January 12, 2001]
[Page 2908]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2908]]


Exchange With Reporters Following a Medical Checkup in Bethesda, 
Maryland
January 12, 2001

President's Health

    Q. How did it go, Mr. President?
    The President. Very well. My eyes are still dilated, so I have to be 
a little careful. They're a little foggy out here.
    But before I leave, I would just like to thank the Bethesda Naval 
Hospital for the wonderful care they have given to me and to members of 
my family over these last 8 years. This is a terrific place, and these 
people have been great to me, not only in all my physicals but when I 
was so badly injured and on other occasions when I or someone in my 
family needed it. I'm very, very grateful to them.
    Q. How is the knee?
    The President. Oh, my knee is great. My knee is great. You'll get a 
report. My cholesterol is a little too high because I haven't exercised, 
and I ate all that Christmas dessert. But in 6 months it will be back to 
normal. [Laughter] I knew I was doing it, but what the heck. It was my 
last time, and I wanted to enjoy it.
    Thank you.

Note: The exchange began at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Bethesda 
Naval Hospital. A tape was not available for verification of the content 
of this exchange.