Question
What should be done for a 17-year-old boy with a short stature? He is currently about 155 centimeters tall and has not received any treatment. What are the doctor’s suggestions?
Answer
Many adolescents are late bloomers, and it’s important not to believe exaggerated claims in television advertisements. Medical experts point out that, compared to their peers of the same age and gender, children who are frequently engaged in sports tend to be shorter by 4-8 centimeters or more than those who do not enjoy sports. The most effective exercises include the horizontal bar, running, ice skating, rings, free gymnastics, basketball, and pull-ups. These exercises can stretch muscles and tendons, stimulate cartilage growth, and promote the child’s height increase.