Homepage / Health

Related To Story
Getty Images
PRESIDENTIAL RACE
  • Campaign Alerts: Sign Up Now
  • Convention Coverage: RNC | DNC
  • Interactive: Compare Candidates
  • Interactive: Track Polls
  • FROM OUR PARTNERS

    Health Reports Show Candidates' Problems

    Obama, McCain Medical Records, Daily Habits Reveal Health Status

    POSTED: 8:32 am PDT May 28, 2008

    Although history shows physical and temperamental perfection are not required, today's voters continue to be concerned about the presidential candidates' health issues.

    Quiz: Presidential Health Through History

    Presidents in the past have had health issues while in office, including Dwight Eisenhower's heart attack and stroke, John Kennedy's diagnosis of Addison's disease and Franklin Roosevelt's paralysis.

    The presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain, and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama have health issues of their own, and citizens are eager to learn details before casting their ballots.

    McCain

    McCain has had a lengthy battle with skin cancer, evidence of which can be seen by the visible scar on the left side of his face. Surgery in 2000 removed what doctors classified as a stage 2A -- out of 4 -- melanoma. Surgeons also removed 34 lymph nodes as a precautionary measure near the cancer and part of his saliva-producing parotid gland. This was the worst stint of McCain's at least five bouts of skin cancer, with which other areas were removed from his left shoulder, arm and nose, said the U.S. News and World Report.

    Just days before his expected nomination at the Republican National Convention, John McCain will be blowing out 72 candles on his birthday cake. If elected, McCain will steal Ronald Reagan's record as the oldest first-term president in the nation's history. According to U.S. News and World Report, a poll showed that 32 percent of people in one survey believe he is too old to run for president; memory loss and dementia are the single biggest risk of increasing age, said ABC News medical editor Dr. Tim Johnson.

    For 25 years, McCain was a two-pack-a-day smoker, said USA News. He quit in 1980 and has since had chest X-rays and CAT scans to quash concerns of lung cancer. Nevertheless, smoking side effects including cancer, lung diseases and heart attacks are still potential problems.

    McCain's records also discuss the damage done as a prisoner of war during Vietnam War. When his plane was shot down over Vietnam in 1967, both arms and one leg were broken. Also, while captured for 5 1/2 years, he was tortured and beaten until both of his shoulders broke. These injuries were never properly set, resulting in a limited range of motion in his shoulders, right knee and arms. In McCain's medical records, one doctor wrote that McCain would probably need to have his shoulders replaced someday.

    Kidney stones in his right kidney and precancerous polyps in his colon were found and removed. Also, McCain has been treated for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insomnia.

    On the other hand, McCain's prostate, heart, kidney function and mental health all seem to be OK, CNN reported. Overall, doctors on ABC News said, McCain is in exemplary shape for his age.

    Obama

    A letter covering Barack Obama's medical history was released on May 29 showing that he is "in excellent health." Dr. David L. Scheiner, a board-certified general internist, reports that the only concern is Obama's smoking habit, which he is trying to overcome by avidly chewing Nicorette.

    Although cancer is seen in his family history, Obama's medical examinations have returned normal, including average blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and pulse. All of his systems appear to be fine, and the 46-year-old continues to have regular examinations where issues including upper respiratory infections, skin rashes and minor injuries have been addressed.

    According to the New York Times, Obama's lean and muscular frame is maintained by both a daily basketball game in the hotel gym with his right hand man, Reggie Love, or jogging three miles.

    Obama's diet is balanced with "good intake of roughage and fluids," said Scheiner. This is maintained by his foods of choice: roasted almonds, protein bars, and vegetables, especially broccoli and spinach, said Love.

    Sponsored Links

    Links We Like
    Sponsored Content
    There are a lot of things that can cause joint pain. Find out how psoriasis can lead to arthritis. More

    Be sure you can spot the signs of poor nutrition and help your aging parents live a healthier life. More

    Keeping non-sexual relationships with the opposite sex can be difficult. Find out if men and women can be just friends. More

    Find out the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease, and learn how doctors distinguish this progressive form of dementia from others. More

    Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

    Health Topics & Information

    An alarming number of people live with pain. Whether yours is chronic or acute, we can help you make it stop. Get pain management tips here! More

    Consumer Info



    Sponsored Content Provided by ARA
    E-Mail News Alerts
    Get breaking news and daily headlines.
    Browse all e-mail newsletters