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.”

Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989

Bush’s press assistant said in a statement that a “sebaceous cyst on the third finger of his left hand was drained. The President is wearing a Band-Aid on the finger, which he can remove within the next few hours. This cyst has been present for many years and does not present a medical problem.”

“In excellent health,” Reagan was told by the White House physician after being checked out by 14 experts in October 1981. Notably, he said that the president had “fully recovered” from the gunshot wounds he got in March 1981 during an attempt on his life.

Related Posts

Meg Ryan’s Rare Appearance at 64 Sparks a Wave of Reactions

Meg Ryan stepped out for her first public appearance in half a year to stand by Michael J. Fox prior to the premiere of his new documentary…

Reagan-Appointed Judge Steps Down and Speaks Out on the Future of the Justice System

The resignation of longtime federal judge Mark L. Wolf has sparked discussion about the relationship between the judiciary, politics, and public trust in American institutions. Appointed to the federal…

Body Language Expert Analyzes Trump’s Tense Exchange During Television Interview

A recent interview between former President Donald Trump and journalist Kristen Welker has sparked discussion not only about the issues raised but also about the nonverbal communication…

Penny Lancaster’s Vacation Photos Spark Conversation About Confidence and Aging

Recent vacation photos of Penny Lancaster, wife of legendary singer Rod Stewart, have generated lively discussion online after she was photographed enjoying time with her family aboard…

Why Dogs Sniff People During Greetings — The Science Behind the Behavior

If you’ve ever had a dog greet you by sniffing closely, you may have wondered why they seem so interested in certain parts of the human body….

Austin Metcalf’s Family Shares Heartfelt Statements Following Sentencing

More than a year after the tragic death of Austin Metcalf, his family addressed the court during the sentencing of Karmelo Anthony, offering deeply personal reflections on…