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

Find the Bag, Egg, Apple, and Comb: A Gentle Reminder of Grandma’s Lasting Love

When a grandmother is present, her love often feels like part of the home itself—quiet, steady, and always available. She is the familiar voice, the warm kitchen,…

Building a Strong Relationship: Why Love Needs Understanding to Last

Love is often seen as the heart of a relationship, but by itself, it rarely sustains one over time. A lasting partnership is built through understanding, respect,…

When Assumptions Take Over: A Simple Lesson in Trust and Perspective

Sometimes, it only takes a single unexpected moment to send your thoughts spiraling. Opening a familiar space and finding something out of place can quickly trigger doubt,…

Cruise-Linked Hantavirus

What began as a routine expedition aboard the MV Hondius has developed into a growing international health concern after reports of illness linked to the voyage began…

Reports Concerning Donald Trump’s Health Gain Attention Following Schedule Changes

A wave of online speculation recently emerged after changes to Donald Trump’s public schedule led some social media users to suggest he had been hospitalized. The claims…

WHO finally issue statement on likelihood of hantavirus becoming the “next covid”

A wave of panic spreads on a cruise ship at sea: multiple deaths have been reported, and nearly 150 passengers are reportedly isolated as concerns grow over…