are there ways to prevent dwarfism?
450509
There is no way to prevent dwarfism.  It is in the genes and you can't change your genes.
337220
It depends on your bone structure, but the reccomended weight for shorties like us (I'm 5'4") is betweem 115-135 lbs.  And if you're happy with your body, don't do anything about it, just accept the fact that everyone is different.  If you're not happy, eating right and exercise are the only permenant treatments I know.
503599
Definition\n\nDwarfism is a condition in which the growth of the individual is very slow or delayed. There are many forms of dwarfism. The word pituitary is in reference to the pituitary gland in the body. This gland regulates certain chemicals (hormones) in the body. Therefore, pituitary dwarfism is decreased bodily growth due to hormonal problems. The end result is a proportionate little person, because the height as well as the growth of all other structures of the individual are decreased.\n\nDescription\n\nPituitary dwarfism is caused by problems arising in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is also called the hypophysis. The pituitary gland is divided into two halves: the anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves. The anterior half produces six hormones: growth hormone, adrenocorticotropin (corticotropin), thyroid stimulating homone (thyrotropin), prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone, and lutenizing hormone. The posterior pituitary gland only produces two hormones. It produces antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) and oxytocin.\n\nMost forms of dwarfism are a result of decreased production of hormones from the anterior half of the pituitary gland. The most common form is due to decreases of growth hormone which will be discussed here. These decreases during childhood cause the individual's arms, legs, and other structures to develop normal proportions for their bodies, but at a decreased rate.\n\nWhen all of the hormones of the anterior pituitary gland are not produced, this is called panhypopituitarism. Another type of dwarfism occurs when only the growth hormone is decreased. Dwarfism can also result from a lack of somatomedin C (also called insulin like growth factor, IGF-1) production. Somatomedin C is a hormone produced in the liver that increases bone growth when growth hormone is present. The African pygmy and the Levi-Lorain dwarfs lack the ability to produce somatomedin C in response to growth hormone. All causes of dwarfism lead to a proportionate little person.\n\nGrowth is the body's response to different hormones. The forebrain contains a small organ called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for releasing hormones in response to the body's needs for purposes of regulation. Growth hormone is produced in the anterior pituitary gland when growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), is released by the hypothalamus. Growth hormone is then released and stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1. In return, IGF-1 stimulates the long bones to grow in length. Thus, growth can be slowed down or stopped if there is a problem making any of these hormones or if there is a problem with the cells receiving these hormones.\n\nSome estimates show that there are between 10,000 and 15,000 children in the United States who have growth problems due to a deficiency of growth hormone.\n\nCauses and symptoms\n\nPituitary dwarfism has been shown to run in families. New investigations are underway to determine the specific cause and location of the gene responsible for dwarfism. The human cell contains 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. Most of the genes in the two chromosomes of each pair are identical or almost identical with each other. However, with dwarfism, there appears to be disruption on different areas of chromosome 3 and 7. Some studies have isolated defects for the production of pituitary hormones to the short arm (the "p" end) of chromosome 3 at a specific location of 3p11. Other studies have found changes on the short arm of chromosome 7.\n\nA child with a growth hormone deficiency is often small with an immature face and chubby body build. The child's growth will slow down and not follow the normal growth curve patterns. In cases of tumor, most commonly craniopharyngioma (a tumor near the pituitary gland), children and adolescents may present with neurological symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and problems with vision. The patient may also have symptoms of double vision. Symptoms su
614724
It doesn't matter how long you are. You can't control growth. I know somebody who is small and she is cute!\n\n#^_^#
519527
You can't fight genetics. If they aren't ment to stay up, anything short of cosmetic surgery won't do much. \nHowever, an elderly friend of mine with a great pair says that after showering she always puts ice packs on them for five minutes. \ngood luck
518844
Eat smart.\n\nThe way to do it is not eat high calorie foods. You want to add weight, not turn into a slob.\n\nHow old are you? That is not mentioned. If you are still growing, time will catch up with you on that.\n\nContinue to eat in a smart way, just increase the amount you eat (slowly, you don;t want to get a tummy doing it this way)
414996
Tha average age for a femail would be 17.5.\nUsually people who grow slower than others have some kind of medical condition, one of them is growth hormone difficiancy.\nGrowth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in our brains. if our body does not produce enough of it we may stop growing or grow slowly.\nThis condition can be treated in most cases by taking growth hormone injections.\nThere are about 500,000 american children who are taking growth hormone injections.\nThe kind of doctor you should see for that is a pediatric endocrinologist.\nfor more information you can go to www.coollearnings.com\n\nAlso check out:  http://www.howkidsgrow.com/serono_G/index.html
122988
Sorry but cut it short. It's better to protect it than inadvertantly have little hair in the future.
137727
You should drink your milk and eat your veggies....you shouldn't really worry about it b/c you really aren't too short even though you are 17.\n\nOther people are shorter
267817
Don't take anything and just lift light weights.\n\nYour muscles and bones are still developing so it's bad for them to lift heavy weights until you are finished growing.\n\nStay off steroids and supplements because they are not good for anyone.\n\nAsk your doctor or someone else who has some knowledge.
4082
There is a surgical Procedure done in Japan. They break your legs and put pins in to strecth them.  also There are growth hormons if your growth platelts are still open but i dont like the side effects.
233104
PLEASE NOTE THE WEBSITE THE INFORMATION IS FROM TALKS ABOUT HORMONE INJECTIONS/STIMULATORS, FROM RESERCH THESE INJECTIONS AND STIMULATORS ARE NOT SAFE NO MATTER WHAT THE WEBSITE SAYS! THE TWO METHODS BELOW ARE THE BEST AND SAFEST TO ACTUALLY HELP U GROW!\n\nHeight increase is possible with stretching exercises. Results do take time since there are three levels of development which consist of Level 1: Tonal & Muscular development of the back muscles Level 2: Spinal decompression & Straightening Level 3: Progressive spinal disc regeneration & thickening.\n\nThe right supplements are as important as the proper exercises. There are numerous supplement currently available but most of them do not contain the vital ingredients that stimulate growth. \n\nOur Growth Enhancer Plus™ supplements contain the necessary ingredients that will help you grow taller including glucosamine, amino acids, and multivitamins. The ratio of each ingredient is important since the body can only utilize certain ingredients efficiently in the presence of other important ingredients.\n\nThrough years of research and development we have come up with the best supplement available to grow taller: Growth Enhancer Plus™.\n\nYou can grow taller by an additional 2-3 inches with the right supplements. \n\nPros: Grow taller, up to an additional three inches. Take anywhere and with your favorite drink. Takes no time at all to take. Ingredients will also increase energy, increase vitality, and improve focus. Effective at any age.\n\nCons: Expensive but are well worth the height increase.\n\n\nStretching exercises can add up to three inches of height permanently. While there are numerous exercises that target the spine, our researchers have developed the best possible combination of yoga style exercises that tone, strengthen, and develop the muscles that support the spine leading to height increase. \n\nOnce these muscles have developed appropriately, the spine will begin to lengthen as well as straighten another inch or two through spinal decompression.\n\nThen, with time and proper implementation of the exercises the spinal discs as well as the cartilage that supports your arms, legs, and spine will begin to thicken leading to a proportionate and taller body. \n\nPros: Grow taller, up to three inches. Exercise has other benefits such as health, increased metabolism, decreased body fat, enhanced immune system. Effective at any age.\n\nCons: Exercises take 15-20 minutes of your time but are worth it.
612822
Exercises is the best thing you can do. You can walk, put your baby in the stroller then walk.You both could be benefited of the vitamin D from sun.Eat lots of fruits & veg and also see your doctor maybe you need iron, so to be sure pls. see your doctor. Take care and  have a great day.
171463
For organic advice...eat properly, Drink milk (Vit. D and Calcium), take your vitamins (esp. B vitamins), do stretch exercises, and if all fails wear heightened shoes.
310082
Improve your posture. Most people are "shorter" than they really are because they slouch so much.\nI "grew" an inch since I started taking dance, I now stretch to my full height. :)
790820
You could ask your doctor, but I think it all depends on heredity (your genes).  \n\nA simple trick to appearing taller:  stand and sit up straight.  If you slouch, you will look shorter.
1125593
No, you can't target growth. You do need adequate nutrition. Make that good nutrition - high protein and high in calcium and all those good vitamins. You could take Human Growth Hormone injections, but as you're a minor, you'll have to convice your parents.