Question
A 12-year-old boy asks how he can quickly grow taller, as he currently stands at 150 cm and is already 12 years old. He mentions that he has not received any treatment and hopes to receive medical help.
Answer
The doctor recommends that the 12-year-old boy undergo an X-ray of his bone age to understand the closure status of his growth plates. If the plates have not yet closed, medication treatment can be considered, along with appropriate exercises such as skipping rope, and ensuring adequate sleep, especially before 9 pm to facilitate the secretion of growth hormones. The doctor also notes that a child’s height is influenced by both genetic and postnatal factors, and the future height range of the child can be predicted by calculating the parents’ heights. In addition, postnatal nutrition and exercise are also important factors affecting height.