NEW YORK -- Rudy Giuliani read a beloved Christmas story to youngsters in Harlem on Monday, assuring them that Santa Claus is alive and well. He said he, too, was in good health after last week's scare."I'm perfectly healthy. I don't have cancer," Giuliani told reporters after his annual reading of "A Visit From St. Nicholas" at New York's Hale House, a residence for needy children.

Giuliani, who had prostate cancer seven years ago, was hospitalized last week in St. Louis after suffering what he described as a headache so severe his campaign plane turned back less than 10 minutes after takeoff.

The former New York mayor canceled some events but was back campaigning in New Hampshire over the weekend, where he told reporters he had been tested and given a clean bill of health.

In response to renewed questions Monday, Giuliani said his PSA level was measured just three weeks ago and was "zero or negligible." High PSA levels can mean cancer. He said his doctor would issue a full report soon.

Giuliani has read the Christmas story -- better known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas" -- to children at the Hale House for 12 years. He promised that if he's elected president, he would still return to read the Clement Moore classic.