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

10 Clever and Practical Ways to Reuse Empty Egg Cartons

In a more sustainability-minded world, reusing everyday items can make a meaningful difference. One household item that is often thrown away without much thought is the egg…

Oregano for Gut Health: A Flavorful Herb With Surprising Wellness Benefits

Often recognized for its bold, aromatic flavor, oregano has long been a staple in Mediterranean-inspired cooking. Yet its value extends far beyond the kitchen. For generations, herbal…

Blinded by the Light: Why Modern Headlights Are Raising Safety Concerns

The intense beam often appears before the vehicle itself, washing the road in light so strong it briefly disrupts your vision. For many drivers, this split-second glare…

Why Some Tree Trunks Are Painted White — And What It Protects Against

If you’ve ever spotted a tree with its lower trunk coated in white, you might have wondered whether it was decorative or symbolic. In reality, this long-standing…

A 95-Acre Countryside Retreat Blending History With Modern Comfort

Set against the peaceful landscape of New Philadelphia, this expansive 95-acre property offers a thoughtful balance of open farmland and timeless character. At its center stands a 2,700-square-foot…

HT9. When a Photo Says Too Much: The Real Story Behind Extreme Weight Loss, Recovery, and the Pressure to Look “Perfect

We rarely admit how much a single image can wound us. That viral bikini photo doesn’t just show a body; it exposes the cost of chasing approval…