Quiz the Coach - I Want To Be Taller

Hey Coach,
How can I increase my height? I am 5'5 and I want to be at least 5'8.
Zitin

Hey Zitin,
There's not much you can really do to increase your height. The height of a person is determined by the genes handed down by their parents. You can make the most of the genetic make-up your mother and father gave you by eating healthy foods, getting proper sleep and exercising regularly. You can also maximize your height potential by not smoking and not slouching - bad posture can make you look shorter.

Most kids get a growth spurt when they hit puberty, so if you're 15, you'll probably get a bit taller, but there's no guarantee you'll reach 5'8. Some people try taking growth hormones or special supplements to make themselves taller, but this is not a safe or proven way of increasing height. It's more likely to lead to medical problems like arthritis. If you're still really concerned about your height, you can can always try wearing shoe lifts. These can be a bit awkward to walk around in but they do make you a few inches taller. You could also try buying one of those medieval stretching devices and getting a friend to stretch your legs out by three inches. This technique, like the use of growth hormones or steroids, is also not recommended by Kidzworld.

Do you have a question on sports like hockey, football or skateboarding? Do you need some advice on fitness, P.E. class or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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