Dr. Paul Tahalele, who traveled with Wahid to Belgium in February for his annual checkup at Van Leuven Hospital in Brussels, says the president is in good condition. Wahid's last routine examination found that his health, with the exception of his eyesight, was normal for his age, Tahalele adds. The president takes a variety of medications, but aides trying to play down worries about his health are mum on what the prescriptions are. Wahid is also a fan of jamu , traditional Indonesian herbal tonics. He takes a stroll every morning, helped by his daughters or an assistant.
Massage is another daily habit.
He neither smokes nor drinks, although he does love high-cholesterol goat meat. And despite his workaholic habits, he is not shy about taking breaks. But given Wahid's visible frailty, the soothing words from doctors and aides are unlikely to lay concerns to rest. Nor does Wahid come from long-lived stock. His uncle is the only one in the family who is over 70 and still healthy, while his father died in his 50s.