st as are
those due to eye-strain. Pain in the feet, legs and back, often mistaken
for rheumatism, and improperly treated with drugs and liniment, chronic
general fatigue and nervous depression are often due to this rather
common affection.

[Sidenote: Detecting Weak Feet]

To detect weak feet, note whether there is a tendency to toe out when
walking, and a bending inward of the ankles when standing or walking,
or a disposition to walk on the inner side of the feet, as shown by the
uneven wearing of the shoe. This condition may be present with a high
instep, and no evidence of flat foot. As flat foot develops the inward
bend of the ankle is easily apparent. The inner hollow of the foot
disappears and the entire sole rests flat upon the ground when the shoes
are removed.

The earlier in life this condition of weak feet is detected, the better
for the individual. After middle life, a cure, especially in extremely
heavy people, may be difficult or impossible, if the arches are
completely broken down. Much relief, however, can be afforded by proper
braces, fitted scientifically, by means of a plaster cast.

In young people, a cure can almost invariably be effected, and after a
time braces and supports are not needed.

It is a very grave mistake to suppose that in such cases so-called arch
supports will either cure flat foot or that people with weak feet are
necessarily condemned to wear such supports throughout life.

The cure is sometimes effected in a short time, but it may take a year
or two, and with proper management it can usually be accomplished,
unless there is some unusual complication.

The prevention of flat foot consists largely in affording due exercise
of the leg and foot muscles and tendons by plenty of walking and
running, especially in childhood, and especially on rough ground. Flat
pavements are, indirectly, one cause of flat foot.

SECTION IV

NOTES ON ALCOHOL

The influence of alcohol on longevity can be most satisfactorily
determined by the records of life insurance companies wherein the
death-rates among those abstaining from alcohol have been computed as
compared to those of the general class of insured lives. In considering
such figures it is well to bear in mind that the general or
non-abstaining class comprises only those who were accepted as standard
healthy risks and so far as could be determined were moderate in their
use of alcohol. Such experiences have been carefully comp