Washington: Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, made public a detailed letter from her doctor on Saturday, declaring her in good health and fit for the nation’s highest office. The move comes as an effort to emphasize transparency and contrast with her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who has been less forthcoming with his medical information.
In a memo distributed by the White House, Dr. Joshua Simmons, Harris’s physician, outlined the results of her most recent physical exam, conducted in April. Describing the exam as “unremarkable,” Simmons stated that Harris, 59, maintains an active lifestyle, follows a healthy diet despite her busy schedule, and suffers from manageable seasonal allergies and sporadic hives. The letter confirmed that Harris does not smoke, and drinks alcohol only in moderation.
“She 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,” Simmons wrote, affirming Harris’s readiness for office.
Drawing a Contrast with Trump
Harris is running against former President Donald Trump, 78, in what has become a close and contentious race for the White House. The release of her medical information is seen as an effort to spotlight Trump’s continued refusal to provide detailed medical reports.
Harris highlighted this issue while speaking to reporters before a campaign stop in North Carolina. “I think it’s obvious that his team, at least, does not want the American people to see everything about who he is,” she said.
The Trump campaign, however, pushed back. Steven Cheung, Trump Campaign Communications Director, stated that Trump has voluntarily shared medical updates from his personal physician and has previously released detailed reports from Dr. Ronny Jackson, who treated him after an assassination attempt. “All have concluded he is in perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief,” Cheung said.
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Health and Transparency in the Spotlight
Harris’s campaign is looking to draw attention to the former president’s age, as Trump is the oldest candidate in the race. President Joe Biden, now 81, stepped aside after a challenging debate against Trump, leaving Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. By contrasting her relatively younger age and cognitive sharpness with Trump’s more advanced age, as well as highlighting the difference in transparency between the two, the Harris campaign hopes to sway undecided voters in the final stretch of the race.
During his time in office, a White House physician had declared Trump in “excellent health”, though he was advised to lose weight and start a regular exercise routine. The question of health and fitness has remained a recurring issue in both campaigns.
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Managing Allergies and Health Maintenance
According to Dr. Simmons, Harris’s seasonal allergies are well-controlled with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Her sporadic hives (urticaria) respond effectively to antihistamine treatments and are not linked to any specific triggers or symptoms.
Harris has undergone allergen immunotherapy for the past three years, significantly improving her allergy and hive symptoms, with only occasional use of nasal spray now required. The report also mentioned that she wears contact lenses and is up to date on preventative health procedures, including colonoscopies and annual mammograms. Harris’s family history includes her mother’s colon cancer, but she remains vigilant about her own health.
