TIP TOE BEAUTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21473, 22 April 1933, Page 18

TIP TOE BEAUTY

iCARE FOR YOUR FEET Neither social " nerves " nor boredom will wear down the vibrant beauty and charm of a woman so definitely as a pair of aching, neglected feet, states an English writer. I have no hesitation in saying that a happy foot —by that I mean a cared-for foot—adds 75 per cent to the natural loveliness of women. The modern chiropodist urges men and women to use their feet and improve their health. Walking is the finest movement for your feet and your body. Every pair of feet should walk at least five miles a day to keep them supple and agile. That is not often possible, so we must include a special drill for them in the " daily dozen." You encourage smooth action in ankles, arches and toes with the rocking exercise. This is up on the toes first, then up on the heels, with the toes well oil' the ground. Hock gently, first on the toes, then on the heels, ten times. Practising " circles " with the foot and toes adds suppleness to the loot and brightness to the face. Sit on the floor and revolve the foot from the ankle, first to the left ten times and then to the right ten times. To exercise the toes take each one between the fingers and drill it iu a circular motion. It is most important for the big toes, and will help to reduce, if not straighten, a joint or bunion. Women should pay more attention in choosing their shoes and in watching the changes in size of the foot during the hot and cold seasons. In Middle Life I advise mothers to have their daughters' feet inspected for size alone every few months. Many girls wear a size three for years and yet their ieet are* growing all the time. This is bound to cause trouble latef on. Too many women take their feet for granted until it is almost too late to correct, perhaps, weak arches, joint troubles or flatness. Yet this amazingly intricate limb has moro burden and work than any other. Of the bones of the foot, not one is joined, but all aro arranged to form a beautiful arched framework, delicately held together by lace-like ligaments. It is not surprising that, after <3o years of wear and tear, it begins to protest, and after this age women would be well advised to be as fastidious about their feet as they are about their complexions, clothes and hands. Overhauling them is as essential as dental inspection, and is now included in the health inspection for children at school. Easing the Feet Get into the habit of giving your feet a rejuvenating treatment before you dress for dinner, or at the end of a tiring day, when their ache and tiredness emphasise your facial weariness. Remove all clothing with bands or belts, and wrap the feet in steaming hot towels until they are thoroughly warm, then massage and mould them with pure (warm) olive oil—and wintergreen as well if you have it. This is a good moment to exercise the toes while the oil is being absorbed. As a cooling astringent use either bay rum, eau de Cologne or any cooling toilet water, and finish with a good herbal foot powder. Where there are enlarged joints or chilblains, make a wad of cotton wool aid pad around the tender spot to prevent pressure from the shoe. If I could persuade women to follow weekly this elementary home treatment and take electric massage or radiant heat about once a month, their faces would respond much more vitally to the ritual of the beauty parlours!