Presidential candidates have always been asked to be as transparent as possible and share intimate details of their life. Health is no exception. This past weekend, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took ill, appeared wobbly, and sparked a national conversation about her health.
She was diagnosed with pneumonia, is being treated and she’s on the road to recovery. This begs the question, how much should we know about the health of those who serve in public office, and in particular, the office of the President?
In previous elections, presidential candidates have provided documentation from their private physicians that summarize their health and essentially certify they are physically fit to perform the duties entailed in working in the Oval Office.
In recent years, we’ve seen letters from the physicians of President Obama and President George W. Bush, both who, much like Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, were noted to be in excellent health.
However, I do not recall such scrutiny over their health and health records. Some argue it’s because of the age of the candidates, Trump at 70 and Clinton at 68.
In recent years, Presidents Obama, Bush and Bill Clinton were all under 55 at the time of their inauguration. However, President Reagan was 69 at his inauguration and Senator McCain would have been 72 years of age, if elected.
While age is a risk factor for many diseases, it doesn’t determine your health status, nor does gender. The perception is that younger is fitter, however, lifestyle and healthy practices determine your health status. Individuals that eat healthier and exercise regularly are far healthier than those who do not.
Thus, a 60-year-old could be healthier than a 45-year-old if they have healthier habits. Typically, women do live longer than men, yet again it depends on your lifestyle.
Clinton suffering from pneumonia and dehydration does not disqualify her from running for office. Pneumonia is common in the U.S., with some 4 to 5 million cases per year.
It is more common in individuals over the age of 65. It can be deadly and about 60,000 people die from pneumonia per year. However, it is readily treatable and most get better in 1 to 3 weeks.
Much of the media and some of the public were disappointed in the delayed information coming from her campaign. Many individuals continue to work with pneumonia, cold and flu and other minor illnesses, and so it may not have been newsworthy at the time of diagnosis.
Currently, she is resting and on antibiotics, which are both appropriate. After clearance from her physician in 1 to 2 weeks, she should be able to continue on the campaign trail without issue.
The amount of health information that is made public is a bit controversial as it could be misleading. It should therefore be explained by health professionals.
I believe that candidates should assure the public of their physical fitness for the job. Clinton’s physician, Dr. Lisa Bardack, did provide a summary of Clinton’s past medical history, current medications and health status, and certified that Clinton met the health requirements.
Trump’s physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, also stated that his patient met the health requirements of the job, however did not give much detail on the candidate’s past medical history or current medications, if any.
In 2008, it was previously recommended that each candidate receive a physical examination from a licensed independent physician. It is important to note that one physical is just a snapshot in time and may not give a clear sense of the candidate’s actual health status. What may help in addition to the physical is an opportunity to review the complete medical record.
As this election continues, I do believe that, if there are any further health scares, the public should be kept abreast. However, minor illnesses are just that, minor.