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

The Tiny Green Surprise on My Floor — And the Lesson It Left Behind

It began as an ordinary moment — a small green shape on the floor that barely caught my attention. I assumed it was a leaf tracked in…

Nana’s Easy Oven-Cleaning Hack: How to Steam Away Grease Without Harsh Chemicals

Cleaning the oven doesn’t have to mean strong fumes, rubber gloves, and endless scrubbing. One simple home-friendly method uses items you likely already have: a dishwashing pod,…

Tampa International Airport’s Pajama “Ban”: What Travelers Should Really Know

Travelers scrolling through social media recently did a double take after Tampa International Airport appeared to announce a ban on pajamas and Crocs. The airport’s tongue-in-cheek post…

Donald Trump mocked by USA women’s hockey team during Saturday Night Live

During the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, the United States achieved a historic milestone by winning gold in both the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments. It marked the…

What Your Sleeping Position as a Couple Might Reveal

Sleep takes up nearly a third of our lives, and when we share a bed with someone, those quiet hours can reveal more than we realize. Once…

Why Some Women Choose a Smaller Circle — and Thrive Because of It

In a culture that often equates popularity with fulfillment, choosing a quieter social life can seem unconventional. Yet many women intentionally keep their circle small — not…