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.

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

Joe Biden and a Moment That Shifted Public Focus Beyond Politics

Recent developments involving Joe Biden have drawn attention in a more measured and reflective way than typical political updates. Rather than prompting immediate debate, the moment has…

A Valentine’s Dinner That Turned Into a Lesson About Relationships

Valentine’s Day had always felt meaningful to me, even in simple ways. That night, my boyfriend chose a beautiful, upscale restaurant—soft music, candlelight, everything carefully planned. For…

Why You Might Find a Rubber Band on Your Mailbox

Coming across a rubber band wrapped around your mailbox can feel oddly unsettling, especially when it appears without explanation. In familiar surroundings, even small, unexpected details tend…

Why a Coin Near Your Car Door Can Feel So Unsettling

It usually starts as a routine moment. You walk up to your car, keys in hand, barely thinking about the process. Then something feels off—the key doesn’t…

Something Unexpected Appeared in My Ground Beef While Cooking

A recently shared photo online showed a strange, worm-like shape inside a prepared dish, quickly attracting attention due to its unusual and unsettling appearance. At first glance,…

A petition calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump

The petition calling for Donald Trump’s impeachment has no formal legal authority, but it reflects ongoing political frustration. It serves as a public expression of disagreement rather…