What Women Want – III. Must Be Tall (2 of 3)
Date Posted: May 27th, 2010
Health aspects
1. Being a tall man exposes you to a slightly higher risk of
developing prostate cancer.
British researchers who looked at data on more than 9000 men
found that the taller they are, the higher the prostate cancer
risk, and the better the odds that the cancer will be a more
serious high-grade form.
Height compared with other risk factors (age, race, etc.)
adds only slightly to a man’s odds of developing the disease.
If you’re tall, get screened at a younger age than what’s
normally recommended.
2. In 1984, Flo Hyman led the U.S. volleyball team to an
Olympic gold. She was taller than her teammates and continued to
play volleyball after the Olympic games. In 1985, while
competing, she collapsed and died. As it turned out, she had a
genetic disorder called “Marfan Syndrome.” Almost annually, a
young athlete, usually playing basketball, collapses during
practice or competition and dies from aortic rupture.
Keep in mind that the majority of tall people do not have
Marfan Syndrome. That said, there is a need for individuals with
a tall stature to consult their family physician. Whether this
should happen even if you do not participate in any demanding
sport, I do not know. Play it safe and raise the matter with
your doctor; further research may be needed before she can offer
any advice.
Marfan Syndrome is associated with tall stature, very long
legs, long arms, long fingers, and long feet. Individuals with
this syndrome tend to be slender and have very flexible joints.
Arm span is greater than usual for the height, and the ratio of
upper body to lower body height is decreased from normal because
of the long legs. This condition is caused by a flaw in the
body’s connective tissue.
(If you have personal concerns, do not only rely on the
above narrative. Research it further on a search engine by
entering “Marfan Syndrome.” As well, make sure to consult your
personal physician).
