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

Ethics Questions Raised Over AI Startup Promotion Linked to Eric Swalwell

Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing scrutiny following reports that he and a former senior aide encouraged colleagues to engage with an artificial intelligence startup connected to them. According to…

Rand Paul Weighs a Possible 2028 Presidential Run

Sen. Rand Paul says he is seriously considering another bid for the White House in 2028, though he hasn’t made a final decision. In a recent interview, Paul described…

95 Year Old Chinese Doctor s Daily Drink for a Healthy

If you’re searching for a natural and refreshing way to support your liver and digestive health, this simple combination of carrot, tomato, and lemon juice offers a…

Here’s every celebrity who showed up for the ‘No Kings’ protest

They arrived not with the polished machinery of traditional politics, but with something far more human—guitars slung over shoulders, hand-painted cardboard signs, and stories that carried the…

Pick a Rose and Discover the Hidden Truth About Your Personality, Emotions, and the Kind of Woman You Truly Are

Choosing a rose can feel like a simple, even playful decision, yet it often reflects deeper elements of personality and emotional tendencies. Colors have long been associated…

Prince Harry Reacts Emotionally to Significant Family News

Recent reports involving Prince Harry have drawn widespread attention, with online discussions focusing on his emotional response during a public moment. A short clip circulated quickly, leading…