COMING SOON:

COMING SOON:
Watch Trailers To 'New Moon,' More

°

Homepage / Money
Text Size

Competition For Jobs, Partners Sparks Height Craze In China

TV Regularly Promotes 'Stretching Machines,' Surgery Techniques

POSTED: Monday, June 6, 2005
UPDATED: 1:46 pm EDT June 6, 2005

Competition for jobs and marriage partners has sparked a national height craze in China that has people lining up to be surgically stretched or to purchase torture rack-like stretching machines, according to a Local 6 News report.

A senior executive at one of China's largest job-search Internet sites admits that it's a commonly-held belief that "taller people will have more opportunity for promotion."


SLIDESHOW: Images From Story (May Be Considered Graphic)
VIDEO: See the story
IMAGES: More strange stories, images featured on Local6.com

In recent months, advertisements on Chinese television are regularly promoting "stretching machines," which look like benches reminiscent of the medieval torture rack.

Users are supposed to strap themselves in by head and foot and turn a crank to extend the bench beneath them.

A voice-over on one of the TV advertisements claims that the "body stretch and exercise machine" can stretch human cartilage and "boost young people's height."

Also, a private hospital in Beijing has become famous for its height-extending practice which puts patients out of action for six months or more.

If it works, the procedure can extend the length of your bones by more than "15 percent," according to Dr Xia Hetao, who performs the surgery.

Xia uses an adaptation of a method originally developed in Russia more than a century ago.

Xia breaks his patient's legs, then attaches metal pins to the separated bones, which are held in place by metal frames around the patient's legs.

The patient then has to twist a knob daily to drag the ends of broken bone apart gradually, encouraging new bone to grow to bridge the gap as the fracture heals, resulting in longer bones, and a taller person, according to the report.

He insists that his procedure has a high rate of success. However, Xia said that there are other operators in China who botch the job.

As leg-lengthening becomes more popular, Xia is calling for official regulation of the practice.

China's Ministry of Health says it is very concerned about the trend.

One of Xia's patients, Wang Junhong, traveled thousands of miles from southern China to get her legs lengthened in Beijing.

She said she knows of doctors that offer the surgery near where she lives, but she doesn't trust them to get it right.

Competition for work and business success in China can pressure job seekers to take drastic action to increase their height.

Job advertisements often prominently list height requirements for potential candidates

The average Chinese woman is about 5 feet 2 inches tall and the average man about 5 feet 6 inches, according to the report.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Learn how to melt off the pounds with meal plans and exercises from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

Ever wonder which cars people are buying the most? Find out here as we count down America’s top 20 sellers. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • Six Answers Interviewers Need To Hire You

      During the typical job interview, you'll be asked a lot of questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

    • Guide To Negotiating A Great Salary

      You can start laying the groundwork for your salary negotiation even before the first interview. Here's a step-by-step guide.

    • Should You Say Yes To A Buyout?

      In today’s economy, the lure of a big-bucks buyout can be tempting, but before you say yes, take the time to understand what it will mean for you.

    • Ten Rules For Interviewing

      In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before your next interview.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links