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

Actor behind the original Geico Caveman speaks out – do you recognize him?

Most people find it annoying when ads start popping up while they watch their favorite film or series. The truth is that commercials can be boring, but…

Rep. Julia Brownley Announces Retirement, Opening a New Chapter in California Politics

The decision by Julia Brownley not to seek another term in Congress marks a significant transition for California’s political landscape and the Democratic Party. After years of representing a…

Republican Leaders Voice Support for Trump’s Iran Policy Amid Broader Debate

Several prominent Republican leaders have expressed support for former President Donald Trump and his approach toward Iran, framing their position as a matter of national security and strategic deterrence….

Trump Comments on Cases Involving Missing and Deceased Experts Amid Ongoing Questions

Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on recent speculation surrounding several cases involving missing or deceased scientists and government-linked experts, stating that he sees “not much of a…

🚨Photo Of Trump Family On Election Night Turns Heads After People Spot Small Detail!…

A single photo sparked widespread speculation. One smiling family image—missing Melania Trump—quickly ignited rumors and online debate. Some questioned whether her absence signaled tension. Others analyzed every…

Trump and Obama Exchange Highlights Growing Divide in Modern Political Discourse

A highly publicized exchange involving former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama has reignited debate about the nature of political communication in the digital age. The encounter quickly attracted widespread attention…