Question
My child is currently 111 centimeters tall and weighs 20 kilograms. At three years old, they were 98 centimeters tall. In particular, their growth rate this year has been noticeably slower, making them appear shorter than their classmates of the same age. Although their diet is adequate, they tend to go to bed later, usually around 10 p.m. Both parents are of average height (164 and 175 centimeters respectively). Is there a possibility that the late bedtime is affecting their height? Should we seek medical advice?
Answer
The long bones of a teenager’s limbs are mainly composed of hard bone cores and cartilage, which, as they grow, develop ossification centers and gradually harden, leading to an increase in height. Therefore, there is a close relationship between height and bone development. Regular exercise can improve blood circulation, enhance the absorption of nutrients by the body, and increase the growth potential of bone cells, thereby making the bones stronger and increasing height. According to medical research, children who regularly exercise are, on average, 4 to 8 centimeters taller than their peers who do not enjoy exercise, or even more. What types of exercise can help increase a child’s height? The most effective exercises include pull-ups, jumping, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and rope skipping. Jumping can stretch muscles and tendons and stimulate cartilage growth; swimming allows the whole body to be fully stretched and exercised; and pull-ups can stretch the spine and promote the growth of spinal bones, thereby contributing to increased height.