NOTES FOR WOMEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23705, 12 January 1939, Page 17

NOTES FOR WOMEN

By PIIILLIDA. HAPPIER FEET Anything wrong with the feet makes life a misery. Headaches, face lines, tiredness, and a general feeling of irritability can often be traced to unhappy feet. And the heat of summer always makes our feet more uncomfortable than at any other time of the year. Half your enjoyment during the summer months will depend upon the way your feet behave, dhd So that they are in a fit condition to carry you happily through your work and pleasure you should spend a few minutes daily on their cai'e.

Every pair of feet should have a daily scrubbing in hot water. Use a good soap and soft nailbrush. Scrub the toe-nails, between the toes, under the soles of the feet, and around the insteps. This will remove the accumulated acids of perspiration, reinvigorate the blood supply, and place the feet in a healthier condition. After thoroughly rinsing dry the feet carefully and lightly powder with talc or boracic.

During the hot weather many people suffer from tired and swollen feet, and this condition can be relieved by soaking the feet for five to ten minutes daily in hot water in which has been dissolved a little borax, finally rinsing in cold water. Dry thoroughly and massage with a little cold cream, removing the surplus with soft towel. In the morning massage the feet with eau de cologne or toilet vinegar and finally sprinkle with talc. If your feet are inclined to be very tender, bathe them in hot water to which you have added a heaped tablespoonful of ordinary salt. Then, after you have dried the feet carefully, massage some vaseline well into the soles and the toes, and finally powder with boracic. Another excellent way of hardening tender feet is to massage a little methylated spirit into the soles and allow it to dry into the skin. Foot-baths of weak salts will reduce a surface rheumatic condition very quickly. Swollen insteps will be soothed if the feet are soaked in warm water to which a little arnica has been added. Witch-hazel rubbed into the soles after bathing is a great comfort to feet that are inclined to be hot. Fallen arches will often respond to a suitable exercise, and the following is extremely helpful: Raise yourself on your toes about ten times the first day. gradually increasing the number of time 3 as the muscles get into condition.

All feet perspire. It is a natural function. But feet which perspire too freely should be given a course of treatment. Powdered alum and boracic acid mixed into equal parts should be rubbed into the feet after your bath, and it is wise to choose shoes which are as light and as porous as possible.

If the feet do not respond to oone of the above simple treatments it would be as well to consult a doctor, as excessive perspiration of the feet often denotes a run-down condition of the svstem. Corns and callouses can often be removed by simply soaking the feet for twenty minutes in a basin of hot water to which has been added two ouces of Epsom salts. After this soaking you will find that you can rub most of the calloused skin away with a hard towel. Then give the feet a good rinsing with warm water for five minutes, massaging with olive oil. If you have soft corns, or feel any soreness between the toes, place a tiny pack of cotton wool there, and allow it to remain until the soreness quite disappears. Nowadays, particularly when sandals and tbeless shoes are worn, there is more of the feet showing, and it is important that they should be beautiful and particularly well groomed. After the feet have been washed, the cuticles should be pushed back with the towel, and small callouses which have been softened by the water should be rubbed away with the towel or an emery board. Then, after the feet have been dried with a rough towel, moisten a piece of cotton wool with cuticle remover and treat your toenails. When cutting your toenails remember that they should be cut square and never too deeply at the corners, as this causes ingrowing toenails. Apart from the cutting of the nails, they should be manicured in exactly the same manner as your fingernails, and can be varnished with the same coloured lacquer. When on the beach this will have quite a pretty effect, as it means that toes and fingers will be harmonious. ... _„ Your toes should be as flexible as your fingers, and this can be quite easily acquired by practising the art of picking up marbles from the floor with the toes. . And finally remember that your feet work the hardest and usually receive the least consideration, therefore make up your mind that this summer your feet will not only be more beautiful, but, what is more important, they will be healthier and less tired.

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS

After cleaning brass taps with metal polish, sprinkle a little flour on a clean cloth, rub the taps briskly, and then rub off well with a silk duster. Taps treated in this way will retain their brilliance very much longer. When washing loosely knitted or celanese garments, before putting out to dry, wrap them in a towel for a short while. This will absorb all surplus water, and the article will not drop when hung on the line. & s's * Vinegar used in the rinsing water on washing day will prevent the hands from becoming rough. 4 * ¥ When loose covers for chairs, etc., are being made, boil the piping cord before using. This little precaution prevents unsightly puckers after the cover is washed. * !{■ * Never throw away old gloves. Cut off the fingers and use them ,to protect the thumb and forefinger of the right hand when preparing new potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables which stain the hands. * * * Keep any old umbrella frames. Covered with hessian or even paper, and tied to a -stake in the ground, they are invaluable as shades for young plants or flowers that are being kept for show or other purposes.