Bush Reports He Is in Good Health Except for Mild Arthritis in Hips

Vice President George Bush on Tuesday released his responses to questions posed by a newspaper about his health, noting that he has mild arthritis in his hips but otherwise is in top condition.

Bush, 64, responded two weeks ago to questions from the Detroit News, and he made the answers available upon request from The Times. He said the arthritis is “non-limiting,” although he has cut back on running to 2 miles at a time. “Prior to or after running, I occasionally take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for my hips,” he said.

He reported that he has not been hospitalized in the last 25 years. He suffered from a duodenal ulcer (an ulcer of the small intestine) in the early 1960s, but it has not recurred.

No Mental Illness

When asked if he ever was treated for depression or other forms of mental illness, Bush said: “No.”

“My doctor describes my health as excellent and vigorous,” Bush said, adding that his physician is available to answer additional questions.

The health of the presidential candidates has not become an issue in the 1988 presidential campaign, as it was in 1984 when President Reagan’s age--73 at that time--and Democratic nominee Walter F. Mondale’s blood pressure medication became news topics.

However, both Bush and Democratic nominee Gov. Michael S. Dukakis have been asked during the 1988 campaign if they would release full medical histories, and so far neither has.

Updated Release

Bush Press Secretary Sheila Tate said Tuesday that Bush has previously divulged medical records and plans an updated release, but details have not been worked out.

When asked by reporters Tuesday whether he thought Dukakis should release his records, Bush shrugged and said: “Dealer’s choice.”

Dukakis, 54, said last week that he would not release his records. However, last year he responded to such requests with a letter from his physician, Dr. Gerald Plotkin, which said: “You have had no major ailments during your entire life and there is nothing in your past or current medical history which should interfere with your ability to serve as President.”

The letter provides “sufficient information” about Dukakis’ health, said Mark Gearan, a Dukakis spokesman. “The real question, what voters want to know, is are people fit to serve and what are their records,” he said.