Vertically UnSuperior
March Madness, the NCAA college Basketball championship, is over and all those folks that had picked Michigan on their pool card are very happy. Being tall is especially important for most basketball positions. Olivier Rioux became the tallest person to ever play college basketball when he made his debut in a 104-64 victory over North Florida last November. He scored three games later, making a free throw after getting fouled. Rioux is two inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and three inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Tacko Fall and Shawn Bradley. Being tall has its perks, from reaching the top shelf to seeing over crowds, and studies show that people with a few extra inches often report higher confidence and self-esteem. But a growing body of research suggests that people of smaller stature may enjoy surprising health benefits — and it could even help them live longer.
That’s welcome news for Americans, who have been getting shorter since the 1980s. Here are reasons your smaller frame could be secretly working in your favor. In a 2014 Swedish study of over five million people, every 10 centimeters of height seemed to raise the risk of cancer by 18% in women and 11% in men. Taller women specifically appeared to face a 20% higher risk of breast cancer, while the risk of melanoma increased by about 30% per 10 centimeters in both men and women. An analysis by the World Cancer Research Fund also reported taller people may be more likely to develop cancers of the kidneys, ovaries, pancreas, colon and prostate. But it’s not just the likelihood of getting cancer that appears to rise with height.
In another win for short people, a 2017 study of more than two million siblings found that taller individuals may face a higher risk of developing dangerous blood clots in their veins, a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Longer legs mean longer blood vessels, which can slow blood flow back to the heart — a factor that may increases clot risk. On average, shorter people live two to five years longer than their taller peers. “The folks 5-2 and shorter lived the longest. While being short may offer some health advantages, experts emphasize that there’s still much to learn about the link between height and longevity. And tall people, don’t fret. Research shows that lifestyle choices — like eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy body weight — can have a major impact on lifespan, no matter your height.
The sky is the limit
As a priest walks down the street, he notices a young girl struggling to reach the doorbell on a tall front door.
“Allow me to assist,” he offers, pushing the button for her.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?” he asks kindly.
“Yes,” says the girl, “Now we run like crazy.”
There once was a king who was 12 inches tall.
He was a terrible king but a great ruler.
I envy tall people.
They sleep longer.
A four-foot tall man was fired from his job…
for microaggressions.
March 27th Birthdays
1959 – Sheena Easton, 1986 – Jenna Coleman, 1969 – Maria Carey and Pauley Perrette
1922 – Jack Klugman, 1977 – William Moseley, 1994 – Elmo Magalona, 1845 – Willam Rontgen