Rapid growth after acceleration begins
Late maturity (14 to 16 years, girls; 15 to 18 years, boys).
Growth is influenced by various factors.
I. Heredity.
1. Race. Americans average heavier than Europeans, and taller than Europeans except Swedish, Danish, and Dutch. Children of Irish parentage average taller than children of German parentage. Children of American-born parents are in this country taller and heavier than children of foreign-born parents.
2. Family. Children tend to approximate height and build of family; good hygiene slightly increases average above immediate ancestors.
3. Sex. See pages [372-375].
II. Environment and Hygiene.
1. Hygiene. Good hygiene promotes growth in height and weight. Breastfed babies are usually found to increase more rapidly than those artificially fed, and this growth impulse continues through life. See page [100].
