Past Presidents’ Physicals: What We Know So Far


CNN looked at old reports from physical exams of former presidents. These reports usually include basic information like height, weight, and blood pressure. But they also include details like how Obama’s doctor removed a skin tag, how George H. W. Bush’s doctor drained a cyst on his finger, and how Gerald Ford’s doctor pushed for a swimming pool at the White House.

Presidential candidates aren’t required to share the results of their medical exam, but Jackson did so during a meeting on Tuesday and said on Friday that Trump was in “excellent health.”

Here is a look at how healthy past leaders were based on the exams they had.

From 1974 to 1977: President Gerald Ford

In January 1975, Ford’s doctor told him, “happy to report he is in excellent health. The results of all medical tests were normal in every way.”

In July 1976, Ford had another physical. During this visit, his doctor said, “He has had no complaints … other than mild discomfort in his knee following periods of prolonged standing. The President has maintained his physical capacity for long working hours. He sleeps very well and continues to follow his diet and weighs between 195 and 198 pounds.”

Ford’s doctor wrote in 1975 that “the completion of the new White House swimming pool will provide him with short intervals for relaxation that can easily be fitted into his busy schedule.”

“I would like to take the time to acknowledge those citizens who, by their contributions, make a swimming pool available for the President in the White House,” Dr. William Lukash said at a press meeting in January 1976. “I might add that the President was reluctant to use the pool during the winter months because of his concern about energy conservation. I spoke to him about this and felt it was to his advantage to have the use of this pool because I thought it would be an improvement in his sense of well-being and make him more conducive to his feeling better the next day. … The President swims approximately 24 lengths of the pool, which adds up to about a quarter of a mile, and he does this in about 14 minutes.”

Related Posts

A Simple Method That May Help Reduce Yellow Stains and Plaque on Teeth

A bright smile is often associated with good oral hygiene and daily care. However, many people notice that over time their teeth can become yellow or develop…

Why There’s a Small Panel on Your Car’s Bumper

Most drivers have noticed the small square or rectangular panel built into the front or rear bumper of a car. At first glance, it does not seem…

That Tiny Hole in a Safety Pin Has a Very Useful Purpose

Most people have used a safety pin at some point, but few stop to notice the tiny hole at one end. It may seem like an unimportant…

A Voice Full of Soul That Touched Everyone

When Ronee Martin stepped onto the stage of America’s Got Talent, she didn’t rely on flashy moments or big production. Instead, she delivered something far more powerful — pure emotion….

A Voice That Silenced the Entire Room

When Chris Kläfford stepped onto the stage of America’s Got Talent, no one expected what was about to happen. With a simple presence and no theatrics, he began to sing…

They Cut Down Trees That Had Stood on My Family’s Land for Forty Years Just to Improve Their View

The first tree didn’t fall with enough noise to warn me. There was no call, no message, no sign that something important had been taken. Only later,…