Charting the Candidates

A politician's doctor may not yet be as important as his campaign manager, but health is becoming an increasingly important factor in judging presidential candidates. In the post-Watergate atmosphere, politicians are willing to disclose a lot about themselves (sometimes, perhaps, more than many voters want to know). When the weekly magazine Medical World News asked contenders for their medical records, all complied readily, except former Democratic Senator Eugene McCarthy. Herewith capsule diagnoses of the physical health of the major candidates, announced and unannounced:

President Gerald Ford, 62. After annual physical examination at Bethesda Naval Hospital, is described as having the well-being of a "conditioned athlete." After skiing, suffers occasional swelling in knees from past football injuries. Last December small wart (benign) removed from left eyelid. Has had hemorrhoidal surgery in the past.

Former Governor Ronald Reagan, 64. Examined annually since 1957 and found "unusually well." Suffers from nasal allergy for which he takes antihistamine drugs. No new bursitis in left shoulder in recent years; 1966 operation removed obstruction to urinary flow from enlarged prostate gland.

Senator Birch Bayh, 48. Evidence of abnormality in right lung is attributed to histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, but his doctor advises "continued monitoring." Suffers irritation of sciatic nerve in both thighs and "functionally insignificant heart murmur." General physical condition "excellent."

Senator Lloyd Bentsen, 54. Last October his doctor noted "rhythmic twitch of the cheek, right corner of his mouth, associated with blinking of his eyes." Condition stopped when "patient was made aware" of it. No other medical problems.

Former Governor Jimmy Carter, 51. Has suffered from "swallowing difficulties" resulting from allergies to hops, beans, Swiss cheese and other foods. Otherwise is "able to carry on at an amazing pace with no evident fatigue."

Senator Frank Church, 51. Had cancerous left testicle removed 28 years ago with no recurrence of disease. Rectal polyp, presumably benign, removed in 1969. Suffers high-frequency hearing loss. Advised to control weight, but otherwise in good health.

Senator Fred Harris, 45. Gunshot wound from hunting accident at age 15 fully healed. No flare-up of a duodenal ulcer suffered in 1954. No recurrence of dizziness bout in 1972, diagnosed as acute labyrinthitis. Only real problem is weight (198 Ibs. on 5-ft. 8 3/4-in. frame), though he recently lost 20 Ibs.

Senator Hubert Humphrey, 64. Pinhead tumor of the urinary bladder in 1973 was treated with X rays, and follow-up examination in 1974 showed no signs of cancer. Since then, he "has remained in excellent health with no evidence of tumor."

Senator Henry Jackson, 63. Has allergies to adhesive tape, strawberries, eggs, plated gold and wool, and suffers chronic nasal stuffiness. In 1974, kidney stone removed with no complications; recovered from pneumonia in 1945 and 1951. Generally "in excellent overall health."

Sargent Shriver, 60. Leukoplakia, or precancerous skin condition, found on lower lip and under surface of tongue. When both lesions were removed in 1974, doctors found no cancer. Exercises regularly and is "healthy in all respects."

Congressman Morris Udall, 53. Has glass left eye as result of childhood injury. No effects of childhood meningitis. Fully recovered from attack last summer of viral pneumonia. Has heart murmur considered benign. Plays basketball and is in "excellent health."

Governor George Wallace, 56. After four major operations in wake of assassination attempt, Wallace's internist, Dr. Henry Hutchinson, says problems resulting from paralysis "lie in past." No urinary-tract infections in past year, no difficulties with bedsores, no kidney damage, but still suffers constant pain, cannot control his bladder, and wears a hearing aid in one partially deaf ear. Cardiovascular system excellent.

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