HEALTH

 

My doctor says if I keep growing at the same rate I will be about 5 feet 3 inches tall. Is it too late to change?

Changing your height dramatically is a bit of a tall order—your size is largely determined by genetics. That said, there are some things you can do to make sure you reach your full potential, says Dr. Susan Goodale of Central Pediatrics in St. Paul, Minn. “Eating properly with adequate nutrition will help you grow,” she says, so cut back on the junk food, caffeine and soda. Also, don’t skip meals or binge eat.

What else helps? “Sleep eight to nine hours a night and exercise 30 to 60 minutes four to five days a week.” And, yep, it’s not just something your mother made up, “cigarette smoking has been linked to slower growth and shorter stature,” says Dr. Goodale. As though you need another reason not to light up.

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