Those between the ages of 16 and 22 must be 5'9" to 6'0". The high fashion modeling business prefers height; the measurements shown above are typical of youngsters aspiring to work in this field. This height is only attained by a small fraction of teenagers. The average American woman is five feet three inches tall, while the average man is six feet two inches. Thus, most models are actually shorter than their audience. In Europe, where fashion is more progressive, young models can be as young as 14 years old. They are usually hired together with a legal guardian to ensure they get the best care possible. Models in Europe are given health checks before they start work and annual medicals after they have been working for several months. In Asia, where fashion is also more progressive, young models can be as young as 12 years old. They are usually hired under the supervision of an adult who ensures that they get the best care possible. In Asia, too, models are given health checks before they start work and annual medicals after they have been working for several months. In North America, where fashion is less progressive, young models can be as young as 16 years old. They are usually hired by agencies which then contract out work to larger companies.