Doctor: Harris in Excellent Health
WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris is in “excellent health” and “possesses the physical and mental resiliency” required to serve as president, her doctor stated in a letter released recently that summarizes her medical history and status.
Dr. Joshua Simmons, an Army colonel and the physician for Harris, noted that the Vice President, aged 59, maintains a healthy and active lifestyle. Her most recent physical examination, conducted in April, was described as “unremarkable.”
In a two-page letter, Dr. Simmons affirmed that Harris “possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, including those as Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.”
The release of Harris’s medical report aims to create a contrast with the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, who has provided limited health information over the years. This is an effort by the Harris campaign to raise questions regarding Trump’s fitness to serve, according to a campaign aide who requested anonymity when discussing sensitive matters.
Trump has released little health information, including after an incident where he was grazed by a bullet during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
A spokesperson for the Trump campaign mentioned that Trump had voluntarily released updates from his personal physician as well as detailed reports from Rep. Ronny Jackson, who was Trump’s physician at the White House, reaffirming that “all have concluded he is in perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief.”
If Trump, currently 78, is elected next month, he would be the oldest president in U.S. history by the time his term concludes in 2029. Harris was asked about this issue during her travel to North Carolina, asserting that Trump’s team does not want the American public to fully see his fitness for presidency.
When questioned about Trump’s mental acuity, Harris invited the public to observe his rallies and form their own opinions.
Dr. Simmons, who has served as Harris’s primary care physician for the past three and a half years, mentioned that she has a history of seasonal allergies and urticaria, or hives. Notably, she has dramatically improved her symptoms over the past three years through an immunotherapy medication, which helps reduce sensitivity to allergens.
According to the latest summary from an exam conducted six months ago, Harris’ vital signs indicated a blood pressure reading of 128 over 74, a heart rate of 78 beats per minute, a pulse oximetry of 100% on room air, a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 98.7 degrees. Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in a person’s blood.
Simmons reported that Harris’s head, eyes, ears, nose, and pharynx are normal. Additionally, it was noted that she wears contact lenses for mild nearsightedness. Her family history includes maternal colon cancer, and she is current on preventive care recommendations, including colonoscopy and annual mammograms, along with routine immunizations.
Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan, tragically passed away at age 70 from colon cancer in February 2009.
Despite her demanding schedule, the Vice President adheres to a healthy, active lifestyle, engaging in “vigorous daily aerobic exercise and core strength training.” She follows a nutritious diet, refrains from using tobacco products, and consumes alcohol only occasionally and in moderation.
As the medical report was released, Harris’s campaign spotlighted media discussions questioning Trump’s health and mental acuity, alongside highlighting his reluctance to offer comprehensive details regarding his health and medical history.
In contrast, Trump has previously questioned President Joe Biden’s health when the 81-year-old sought reelection. Since Biden stepped aside and was replaced by Harris on the Democratic ticket, more scrutiny has been directed at Trump’s own health status.
Last November, Trump observed Biden’s birthday by issuing a letter from his physician, which stated that the former president was in “excellent” physical and mental health.
