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

Senate Finally Passes It with 53 – 46 Vote — Chuck Schumer and Dems LOST!

Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe’s confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida is more than a routine judicial appointment; it is a strategic brick…

Trump Promises $2,000 ‘Tariff Dividend’ for All Americans: Says Opposing Tariffs Is Foolish

The announcement landed like a lightning strike in an already divided country. To some, Trump’s “tariff dividend” sounded like long-awaited payback for years of economic anxiety—a chance…

The Unforgettable Hairpin That Brought Comfort When I Needed It Most

I can still recall the rush of panic that washed over me the day my four-year-old son slipped out of sight in a crowded mall. One moment…

The Dinner That Reminded Us Why Compassion Matters Most

Some meals linger in your memory not because of the food, but because of a moment that shifts how you see the people around you. After a…

The Courageous Life of Mary Ann Bevan: A Story Far Beyond a Photograph

Mary Ann Bevan is often reduced to a single image in historical archives, yet her real story is one of profound resilience, devotion, and quiet courage. Born…

Shania Twain’s Bold Stage Look Sparks Buzz During Her Las Vegas Performance

Shania Twain—celebrated around the world as the “Queen of Country Pop”—captured attention during a recent stop in her Las Vegas residency. While her vocals and signature stage…