Sunday, January 28, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Young Aide
Heightism at work really frustrates me. Short men are not respected and when they are passive they are literally pushed out of the way and when they are aggressive they are laughed off as another "Napoleon" with a short man's complex. At the end of the day they are rarely treated with the same respect that a tall man is granted innately.
Recently, a co-worker and I had a meeting with a man who was about 5'9-5'10". This is the first time this man had met either of us. My co-worker is a muscular man of about 6'2" tall. My co-worker and I are equals in rank at our position. Anyway, this man completely ignored me throughout the meeting and spoke mostly to my co-worker. He frequently referred to my co-worker as Sir, in an obvious attempt to show his esteem and respect for my co-worker. I kid you not, when he finally turned to speak to me he told me that I needed to do something for him in a nasty tone as if I were merely my co-worker's young aide. This was so blatantly obvious that my co-worker mentioned it after the meeting and found it quite amusing. A frequent response to heightism despite the implications of such a phenomenon.
Recently, a co-worker and I had a meeting with a man who was about 5'9-5'10". This is the first time this man had met either of us. My co-worker is a muscular man of about 6'2" tall. My co-worker and I are equals in rank at our position. Anyway, this man completely ignored me throughout the meeting and spoke mostly to my co-worker. He frequently referred to my co-worker as Sir, in an obvious attempt to show his esteem and respect for my co-worker. I kid you not, when he finally turned to speak to me he told me that I needed to do something for him in a nasty tone as if I were merely my co-worker's young aide. This was so blatantly obvious that my co-worker mentioned it after the meeting and found it quite amusing. A frequent response to heightism despite the implications of such a phenomenon.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
One person, one state, one issue at a time
Let me begin today with some factual information. Here is a listing of some potential side effects to the HGH treatment.
Acromegaly,
Edema and Fluid Retention,
Liver Damage,
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Painful Joints,
Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males)
For more information, please follow the link below.
http://www.hgh-pro.com/master.html?http://www.hgh-pro.com/sideeffects.html
And a link to limb lengthening complications.
http://www.limblength.com/pubs/articles/curve/curve.htmtual
During the treatment or procedures, the questions remain, is the treatment or procedure worth the side effects. Even in the best cases, a minimum amount of change is achieved. From 1mm a procedure over many procedures, to an added 2 to three inches through the HGH treatments. From the Documentation, a limb lengthen procedure is to correct an issue to serious injury or chronic infections. Has the modern society determined that an average height can be described as such a physical handicap? Abnormal leg length and one leg shorter than the other due to some traumatic event is one thing, but to be subjected to this procedure simply because of the benefits of height. Without any real medical advantage seems to be unwarranted. The Procedure is a long drawn out process, leaving the patient wheelchair bound for extended periods.
A surgical procedure known as Symmetric extended limb lengthening (ELL). Numerous possible complications of ELL techniques are recognized, including nerve injury, infections, angulations, non union, paralysis, and increased hip flexion leading to dislocation of the hip, predispositions of early osteo-arthritis, re-absorption of bone ends, fractures and unequal limb lengths. Although the acute complication rate associated with ELL has been reduced, it is still substantial. Furthermore the long-term stability of extended limbs, particularly when subjected to physical or hormonal stress (including for example in pregnancy) or their long-term effects on the spine and pelvis are being evaluated but are not yet known. (http://www.sspa.org.au/limb.htm).
Again the complications seem to out number the benefits of the procedure. Today’s world seems to be built on the bigger is better premise. Bigger vehicles, bigger houses, bigger vacation packages. Everywhere we look today it is bigger. Massive SUV’s that can’t even fit into garages, To Burgers that rival towers, buildings stretching into the sky, is there no limit or sense to it all. Mountains tumble, Scrapers can fall. The bigger the building, the more damage if it collapses. But we keep on building higher, and keep on looking for the next “Big thing”.
Before recorded time, there was the big bang theory. Where the entire universe started out of almost nothingness, “God spoke into the darkness and created light”. How can something that started so small grow into what we know of the universe today, and are still expanding.
What does any of this have to do with the subject? All living creatures have a beginning, all movements have a start. Martin Luther King had a dream of equality. Equal treatment for all the races, where brother to brother we could stand together without prejudice. After all, isn’t that what we as NOSSA are trying to achieve. To inform the masses there is an issue. Education and develop of the cause is increasing. WE as short stature adults must take the message to the streets. Talking in chat rooms and message boards is not going to get the message out. I post almost daily to various web based blogs. The word is being passed around; I see it and hear it everyday. We are at the “Big Bang”, where our stance is going to explode onto a national screen. Where we can “Have a Dream”. Equal rights, Equal opportunities. To live life to the fullest.
This topic goes way beyond the interpersonal world. Short Stature men and woman face an uphill climb almost everyday. Be it in the local grocery store to the dance clubs to dating scene, to the business world. The ADA states that companies have to make arrangements to accommodate people with handicaps, within reason. This means supplying step stools, or wheelchair ramps. It is still a problem to have to find a person to get a stepstool, or a ladder.
This issue can also be said for those of extreme weight. Where no accommodations are made to help facilitate needs.
Many people are not convinced there is an issue here at all; this is where we need to educate. “The Today show” was a banner achievement, although it fizzled some in the end, the success was the message made a national stage. We must keep pushing. The equal rights movement is still pressing forward, King’s message had not been lost. We must carry on the same diligence. One person, one state, one issue at a time.
Thank you,
-Michael
Acromegaly,
Edema and Fluid Retention,
Liver Damage,
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Painful Joints,
Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males)
For more information, please follow the link below.
http://www.hgh-pro.com/master.html?http://www.hgh-pro.com/sideeffects.html
And a link to limb lengthening complications.
http://www.limblength.com/pubs/articles/curve/curve.htmtual
During the treatment or procedures, the questions remain, is the treatment or procedure worth the side effects. Even in the best cases, a minimum amount of change is achieved. From 1mm a procedure over many procedures, to an added 2 to three inches through the HGH treatments. From the Documentation, a limb lengthen procedure is to correct an issue to serious injury or chronic infections. Has the modern society determined that an average height can be described as such a physical handicap? Abnormal leg length and one leg shorter than the other due to some traumatic event is one thing, but to be subjected to this procedure simply because of the benefits of height. Without any real medical advantage seems to be unwarranted. The Procedure is a long drawn out process, leaving the patient wheelchair bound for extended periods.
A surgical procedure known as Symmetric extended limb lengthening (ELL). Numerous possible complications of ELL techniques are recognized, including nerve injury, infections, angulations, non union, paralysis, and increased hip flexion leading to dislocation of the hip, predispositions of early osteo-arthritis, re-absorption of bone ends, fractures and unequal limb lengths. Although the acute complication rate associated with ELL has been reduced, it is still substantial. Furthermore the long-term stability of extended limbs, particularly when subjected to physical or hormonal stress (including for example in pregnancy) or their long-term effects on the spine and pelvis are being evaluated but are not yet known. (http://www.sspa.org.au/limb.htm).
Again the complications seem to out number the benefits of the procedure. Today’s world seems to be built on the bigger is better premise. Bigger vehicles, bigger houses, bigger vacation packages. Everywhere we look today it is bigger. Massive SUV’s that can’t even fit into garages, To Burgers that rival towers, buildings stretching into the sky, is there no limit or sense to it all. Mountains tumble, Scrapers can fall. The bigger the building, the more damage if it collapses. But we keep on building higher, and keep on looking for the next “Big thing”.
Before recorded time, there was the big bang theory. Where the entire universe started out of almost nothingness, “God spoke into the darkness and created light”. How can something that started so small grow into what we know of the universe today, and are still expanding.
What does any of this have to do with the subject? All living creatures have a beginning, all movements have a start. Martin Luther King had a dream of equality. Equal treatment for all the races, where brother to brother we could stand together without prejudice. After all, isn’t that what we as NOSSA are trying to achieve. To inform the masses there is an issue. Education and develop of the cause is increasing. WE as short stature adults must take the message to the streets. Talking in chat rooms and message boards is not going to get the message out. I post almost daily to various web based blogs. The word is being passed around; I see it and hear it everyday. We are at the “Big Bang”, where our stance is going to explode onto a national screen. Where we can “Have a Dream”. Equal rights, Equal opportunities. To live life to the fullest.
This topic goes way beyond the interpersonal world. Short Stature men and woman face an uphill climb almost everyday. Be it in the local grocery store to the dance clubs to dating scene, to the business world. The ADA states that companies have to make arrangements to accommodate people with handicaps, within reason. This means supplying step stools, or wheelchair ramps. It is still a problem to have to find a person to get a stepstool, or a ladder.
This issue can also be said for those of extreme weight. Where no accommodations are made to help facilitate needs.
Many people are not convinced there is an issue here at all; this is where we need to educate. “The Today show” was a banner achievement, although it fizzled some in the end, the success was the message made a national stage. We must keep pushing. The equal rights movement is still pressing forward, King’s message had not been lost. We must carry on the same diligence. One person, one state, one issue at a time.
Thank you,
-Michael
Monday, January 08, 2007
HGH
From my earliest memories, I can recall going to the hospital many times, was one of those miracle babies that was born premature with many medical complications, from not being able to make it the first night, to first week, the first month. 37 years later I am still fighting the good fight….Kidney and bladder problems left in the past, and forever shorter than the normal people.
Was during the late 70’s or early 80’s, I had many appointments with endocrinologists, and various other medical professionals to debate about my future. One such treatment option was the use of HGH to help bring me to a normal height. At the time the Professionals had topped me out to about five foot for the rest of my life. The medical complications and side effects were laid out for my family to discuss. I was just a little guy, but I remember this discussion.
The side effects of the HGH were liver damage, heart problems, and other various other medical, All these dangerous life threatening complications for a couple inches of height. In fact the amount of height they could not guarantee was about 2 inches.
The discussion was more or less left up to me, and there I was, a child faced with a life changing decision at an age where most kids are wondering which GI Joe to play with, I was about to make a choice that will forever influence everything in my life . I made the choice, Not to have the treatment, frankly, at the time, I was tired of hospitals, Tired of doctors and just wanted to have a normal childhood. I didn’t want to be in another hospital or see another doctor for as long as I lived. The actual side effects became clearer as I got older.
At an age of under 10, you don’t understand what heart problems are, you don’t understand what liver damage is, or where or what the liver even does. All I knew was that this treatment sounded worse than the positive side. What was 2 inches, if I was lucky to have gained? What is the difference between five foot and five foot two? Not a lot in my book back then and even less now. The world describes a normal male to be of average height of 5’7, the Average female of 5’4. The question is not about the numbers, but about the individual.
Being an active member of the work force it becomes clear that height plays a role in every aspect of professional life, Just look at the various studies done on salary based on employee height, Look at every store a crossed the country, Top shelf is regarded as the good stock, high quality products. To be a top shelf product a higher price also follows. This is the way the world regards height as well.
In the story books of old, we hear or read of the princess being saved by the knight, or the prince. The hero is always Tall, Handsome. Does this suggest that shorter men can not be knights or princes, or that shorter men can not be the hero? Does this also suggest that shorter men can not be physically attractive?
Did the leaders of long ago take any of this into consideration as they traveled the world and conquered cities, probably the last thing on their minds? So in today world how can it be such a moving topic. The answer is very simple. The world has evolved to a state to where the fittest survive , Where it is dog eat dog, and the one with the most toys wins. This being directly correlated to the ones with the best physical tools.
Now, I am the last person to say anyone is better than myself, That is my LEO ego speaking and is very true. Coming from a fighters background and being a natural born leader , I am not going to concede that someone is above me. Given the choice so many years ago, I feel I have made the right choices. And feel it is my job to inspire others to feel good about being who they are , and not strive for goals that are not God intended. If God had wanted me to be a 6 foot wreaking ball, That is what I would have been. There is a reason and purpose behind my height as well as my heart.
HGH was a big decision to turn down, Many feel this strain today. Being short in this world is a tough place to be in, But to be honest, This world is a tough place period. Is it really worth the complications to gain a few inches, Is it worth the hours of rehab, learning to walk again after lengthening surgery. It is really seated in the mental makeup of the individual, Are we going to let the world dictate that in order to successful we have to be a certain height. Or are we going to say tit is time , To make a change. To open the minds of the powers that be, To realize that being who we are is all we are going to be , and will not change our physical appearance to satisfy some “ Normal” Standard. We need to educate the masses , in fact the world, That being tall or skinny , or fat or short does not indicate the person. It is not what we look like that separates us, it is what we do with what we have that makes a difference.
NOSSA has given us a choice, a standing ground and a platform to launch an educational phenomenon. Bring the information to the public, Inspire change. Be a catalyst for improving life for all beings. Equal treatment regardless of height.
In the coming weeks, Months and years, I will be doing my best to spark an interest, and motivate those with a voice but without a platform. Those with an interest in joining or supporting this cause. Do some research of your own, Please visit or site. http://nossaonline.org/nossa.html. Speak up and speak out. Discrimination is a real issue. Medical cures are also a painstaking issue for people of shorter height.
Until the next issue, Peace.
-Michael
Was during the late 70’s or early 80’s, I had many appointments with endocrinologists, and various other medical professionals to debate about my future. One such treatment option was the use of HGH to help bring me to a normal height. At the time the Professionals had topped me out to about five foot for the rest of my life. The medical complications and side effects were laid out for my family to discuss. I was just a little guy, but I remember this discussion.
The side effects of the HGH were liver damage, heart problems, and other various other medical, All these dangerous life threatening complications for a couple inches of height. In fact the amount of height they could not guarantee was about 2 inches.
The discussion was more or less left up to me, and there I was, a child faced with a life changing decision at an age where most kids are wondering which GI Joe to play with, I was about to make a choice that will forever influence everything in my life . I made the choice, Not to have the treatment, frankly, at the time, I was tired of hospitals, Tired of doctors and just wanted to have a normal childhood. I didn’t want to be in another hospital or see another doctor for as long as I lived. The actual side effects became clearer as I got older.
At an age of under 10, you don’t understand what heart problems are, you don’t understand what liver damage is, or where or what the liver even does. All I knew was that this treatment sounded worse than the positive side. What was 2 inches, if I was lucky to have gained? What is the difference between five foot and five foot two? Not a lot in my book back then and even less now. The world describes a normal male to be of average height of 5’7, the Average female of 5’4. The question is not about the numbers, but about the individual.
Being an active member of the work force it becomes clear that height plays a role in every aspect of professional life, Just look at the various studies done on salary based on employee height, Look at every store a crossed the country, Top shelf is regarded as the good stock, high quality products. To be a top shelf product a higher price also follows. This is the way the world regards height as well.
In the story books of old, we hear or read of the princess being saved by the knight, or the prince. The hero is always Tall, Handsome. Does this suggest that shorter men can not be knights or princes, or that shorter men can not be the hero? Does this also suggest that shorter men can not be physically attractive?
Did the leaders of long ago take any of this into consideration as they traveled the world and conquered cities, probably the last thing on their minds? So in today world how can it be such a moving topic. The answer is very simple. The world has evolved to a state to where the fittest survive , Where it is dog eat dog, and the one with the most toys wins. This being directly correlated to the ones with the best physical tools.
Now, I am the last person to say anyone is better than myself, That is my LEO ego speaking and is very true. Coming from a fighters background and being a natural born leader , I am not going to concede that someone is above me. Given the choice so many years ago, I feel I have made the right choices. And feel it is my job to inspire others to feel good about being who they are , and not strive for goals that are not God intended. If God had wanted me to be a 6 foot wreaking ball, That is what I would have been. There is a reason and purpose behind my height as well as my heart.
HGH was a big decision to turn down, Many feel this strain today. Being short in this world is a tough place to be in, But to be honest, This world is a tough place period. Is it really worth the complications to gain a few inches, Is it worth the hours of rehab, learning to walk again after lengthening surgery. It is really seated in the mental makeup of the individual, Are we going to let the world dictate that in order to successful we have to be a certain height. Or are we going to say tit is time , To make a change. To open the minds of the powers that be, To realize that being who we are is all we are going to be , and will not change our physical appearance to satisfy some “ Normal” Standard. We need to educate the masses , in fact the world, That being tall or skinny , or fat or short does not indicate the person. It is not what we look like that separates us, it is what we do with what we have that makes a difference.
NOSSA has given us a choice, a standing ground and a platform to launch an educational phenomenon. Bring the information to the public, Inspire change. Be a catalyst for improving life for all beings. Equal treatment regardless of height.
In the coming weeks, Months and years, I will be doing my best to spark an interest, and motivate those with a voice but without a platform. Those with an interest in joining or supporting this cause. Do some research of your own, Please visit or site. http://nossaonline.org/nossa.html. Speak up and speak out. Discrimination is a real issue. Medical cures are also a painstaking issue for people of shorter height.
Until the next issue, Peace.
-Michael
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Committee Positions Now Open
NOSSA has released the list of all open committee positions for the remainder of the Board's term (2006-2010). Voting Members of NOSSA may now apply for committee positions by contacting NOSSA and expressing their interest. For a list of all open positions go to: http://nossaonline.org/specialcommittees.html
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