Gigantism and Dwarfism
I find it fascinating at how diverse the human form can be and still be able to live with relatively little health problems, it makes you realize the resilience of our genetic and mental evolution that has made us such a successful species around the world.
Story Summary
ABC News had an extensive article about the extremes of the human form, here is a summary:
- Susie Campbell is 3 foot 10 inches in height, based on birth records, it’s estimated that the United States has over 15 000 people with dwarfism with the most common being achondroplasia, both her parents where of normal height
- in Russia, being born with any type of “deformation” can mean a life to be lived in an orphanage then state hospital or the streets
- Dwarfs suffer from an enlarged skull because fluids produced by the brain to act as an shock absorber has to flow into a smaller spinal column hole, as a result, fluids build up
- at 4 foot 7, Joshua Campbell suffers from hypochondroplasia Dwarfism, which gives him a relatively proportional average adult body but with shorter arms
- most types of Dwarfism are caused by a genetic mutation while for most types of gigantism, they are caused by the release of excess growth hormones by the pituitary gland within the brain
- at 24 years old, Igor Vovkovinskiy is already 7 foot 8 inches high living in a custom built house to make everyday activities easier, he was already 5 feet tall at the age of 3 and is within an inch of the Mongolian herdsman who got married recently who is currently considered the tallest man on Earth
- Sandy Allen recently celebrated her 52nd birthday at the height of 7 foot 7 inches but must stay in a wheelchair as her legs cannot support her 420 lbs frame, she was already 6 foot 3 when she was 10 years old
- people at both extremes of the height scale are incredibly independent due to their experience (negative and positive) from early childhood, they have had to grow up very fast and leaned to rely on themselves more then others
Who wants to be normal?
The more I research and discover about health and fitness, the more I question why anybody would ever want to be normal. Who wants to be normal? Einstein wasn’t normal, he suffered from a host of physical and mental problems throughout his life yet is known the world over for his achievements. If anything, being abnormal, with a physical or mental disability should make other both appreciate what they have and encourage an abnormal person to pursuit their dreams where their extensive abilities are. I was a great fan of the series “little people in a big world” before I moved out of reception range as it showed that even when facing adversity, the human spirit can thrive if allowed to.
The Bottom Line
Life is what you make of it, normal or otherwise.
Buzzvia
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Story?id=3404733&page=1
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~ThANK-Y0U~
I’m also a “Sandy Allen;” over the years I’ve come across Sandy Allen in print and in online articles so often I feel I know her. I was fascinated when I discovered ‘my name’ in Guinness. I was always impressed with her attitude and her work with kids. Condolences from this Sandy Allen!