NYC Mayor Eric Adams Shares Insights on Health Concerns
NEW YORK CITY—After a reduced schedule last week due to health concerns, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has shared details about his time away from the media during this contentious period.
The 64-year-old, who has diabetes, spent most of last week away from political duties while undergoing medical examinations. At a press conference, he explained that he experienced pain in his side, but reassured the media that all of his tests were negative.
“Thank God, as I mentioned yesterday, to some people’s dismay, I will be around for a long time,” Adams stated.
On January 26, the mayor’s office issued a statement regarding Adams’s health.
“In recent days, Mayor Adams has not been feeling his best. Consequently, this week, the mayor will be attending several doctors’ appointments and undergoing routine medical tests. Although Mayor Adams will maintain constant communication with his staff to ensure that city operations proceed smoothly, his public engagements will be limited during this time,” the statement noted.
The office also requested that the public respect his privacy during this period.
Related Stories
“Like every other New Yorker, Mayor Adams has the right to privacy regarding personal matters, but we will keep the public informed in the unlikely event he is unable to carry out his duties on any given day,” the statement concluded.
The mayor’s week-long health absence drew some criticism.
In contrast to when he contracted COVID-19 in 2022, this time he ceased all communication with New Yorkers. There were no updates about his condition until he returned the following Thursday, also canceling his weekly media briefings and local event appearances. In 2022, he had managed to attend scheduled meetings online during his illness.
During his health break, Adams did hold meetings with two union leaders, deviating from his earlier commitments. He mentioned that he enjoyed the conversations with them, noting that they had long awaited the opportunity to speak with him.
The mayor disclosed that he underwent anesthesia for a medical checkup. When questioned about the legality of not officially transferring power to his deputy during the surgery, he asserted, “We fulfilled all required protocols during the period under anesthesia; everything we were required to do, we did.”
Adams has been living with Type-2 diabetes since 2016, a condition that resulted in temporary blindness for him. He attributes his health to a predominantly plant-based diet.
“Ninety percent of your diet should focus on plant-based foods. I make sure to include plenty of dark leafy greens in my meals,” he emphasized.
