CORRECT THOSE FOOT FAULTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 306, 10 December 1936, Page 3

CORRECT THOSE FOOT FAULTS.

Bad Feet Are a Sign of Existing Trouble.

Bad feet not only' cause ill-health, but are a definite sign of some already existing trouble (declares a ■writer in “The Australian Journal” for December). People who are otherwise robust, but suffer agonies from their feet, may be sure that the bottom bf the trouble is suppressed YheUmatism, and suppressed rheumatism means that there is poisonous matter circulating in the system •which the strength of the individual manages to banish to the feet. Hot baths in Epsom salts will do mbch to induce the poisons to exude through the skin, and a daily footbath ’With water containing a handful of salt, and a handful of soda will act more directly on the feet them-

spives and helb to disperse the poif Bdns lodging there. B Even a healthy person may suffer " from some Slight deformity of the feet brought on through carelessness fir childhood. Foot troubles in adult life ate easily brought about through thu 'wearing of improper socks and shoes in babyhood. Weak ankles cauhe the sufferer to walk on the side of the foot, and the whole poise of the body is thrown out i>f gear. Thia cah seriously! affeict the spina and’the internal organs. It Hof the greatest importance to ■watch the feet of children while they are growing. See that they stand .properly and walk properly, so that the . bones are set firmly on the ground in fhe way they were meant to do and the whole structure of the body" responds to the tread of the foot. When buying shoes for a child, remember that there should be sufficient rbom for toes to rest side by side in a natural position. If you notice that your child suffers from •weak’ ankles or an unnatural position of the feet, see the doctor at once, or " g o to the hospital. ■ To strengthen a child’s feet and -- . correct weak ankles, encourage him to do tiptoe exercises for five minutes night and morning. Whenever possible, feet should go bare or stockingless, as sun and air ttrengthen weak bones. From babyhood, a child should be encouraged to move hiafeet and toes briskly up and dOWn when *in the bath, or in dressing and undressing, and a mother can do much to bring about foot health by the simple expedient of moving each toe night and morning. ‘“This little pig went to market” has much to recommend it, for the pulling and twiddling of each toe is of decided help in strengthening them and training them in the direction they should go.