they can rotate faster
and are stronger in proportion to their weight.
Shorter people excel in
long-distance running,
diving, certain skiing
events, horse racing,
racecar driving, gymnastics, weight lifting,
boxing, wrestling, martial arts, figure skating,
and ballet. Under similar conditions and training, shorter people are
less likely to damage
their backs and joints
because of reduced
stress on these structures. A large study
of car accidents found
smaller bodies were
less likely to suffer from
injuries and deaths. In
contrast, taller people
excel in basketball, foot-
ball, swimming, rowing
and field events.
Taller people in developed countries have
higher life expectancies
than shorter people in
developing countries.
For this reason, many
experts assume that taller height is a reflection
of better health and longevity. Unfortunately,
our greater life expectancy in the developed
world does not mean we
are healthier. Instead,
many experts associate
our life expectancy with
reduced infant mortality, improved sanitation
and immunization programs, and better medical care. Our medical
16
practitioners are certainly extremely proficient in keeping older
people with various ailments alive but this is
not a sign of better
health. A Gallup poll
found that 86% of the
US work force had at
least one chronic health
problem or was obese.
In contrast, Dr. Harold
Elrick ,MD and his team
studied short populations in Hunzaland,
Vilcabamba,
and
Abkhazia, and found
people over 75 years
of age to be exceptionally vigorous in mind
and body in spite of
low calorie and protein
intake and lack of medical facilities.
In the West, most
studies find taller people have lower coronary heart disease
(CHD) than shorter
people. Recent studies indicate that people