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

Rising Tensions in the Gulf: What the Latest Developments Could Mean

In a major escalation that has drawn global attention, reports indicate coordinated military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. Officials described the…

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos go viral for strange moment

The moment lasted only a few seconds, but it quickly captured widespread attention online. During the Oscars red carpet, Lauren Sánchez turned toward Jeff Bezos with what…

Heartbreaking reason Adam Sandler sends Jennifer Aniston flowers on a specific day every year

Longtime friendships in Hollywood are rare, but the bond between Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler has lasted for decades. The two actors knew each other before rising…

Bill Gates Shares Insights on Careers That Will Thrive in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, its influence on the future of work is becoming increasingly clear across many industries. Technology leaders like Bill Gates have…

The Surprising Meaning Behind Finding a Coin on the Street

In today’s fast-paced world, small details—like a coin on the sidewalk—are often overlooked without a second thought. To many, it’s just spare change. But across cultures, a…

Albert Einstein: What a wise man never says to a woman

He never meant it as a joke. He meant it as a warning. In a single sentence about women, money, and feelings, a deeper message was revealed….