Evening Capital News

YOUR HEALTH
By JOHN B. HUBER, A. M., M. D.

Health is the workman's chief asset; and no greater calamity can befall him than when, by reason of sickness or accident, his earning capacity ceases.

Yesterday, we considered a tragic situation far from unique in civilization. Who among us has not made, is not constantly making, miscalculations regarding life and its outcomes. And certainly the commonest of all miscalculations is that no allowance is made for disease and for disability. The least consideration is given to the exigency of one's health breaking down, one becoming thus a liability instead of an asset to one's friends and one's kin. All physicians will certainly find their experience to agree with that of Dr. Norman Bridge of Los Angeles, who in an actual practice of several decades and with more or less of intimate knowledge of the life of several hundreds of families, "can hardly recall an instance among the laity in which caution for health's sake was frankly urged on economic grounds; and when it was spoken of in this connection it was usually under one's breath, as if it were a shame to put life and health on so sordid a basis."

Questions and Answers
AN IRON TONIC.

Would you advise a good iron tonic?

Answer—Iron is a drug when used internally; and should not be taken except by prescription of a good family doctor after examination and consideration of the needs of the particular patient. In anemia (blood poverty) iron is a proper medicine; and Blaud's pills one three times a day are right. But taking iron promiscuously for a "tonic" is sometimes worse than a distressing mistake. Much constipation for one thing results from its indiscriminate use. I have before me a letter in which I am asked for the principles of the tuberculosis cure. In this letter I read: "I have a bad cough, raise a great deal, and have lost weight. I am very weak. I have been taking iron in small doses to try and get a little strength." So far as I can make out, this poor sufferer has been depending on the iron and on little else for her cure. I think this is pathetic. When she gets the information I am gladly sending she will realize that medicines are the least important factor in the cure of her disease, although in many other ailments medication is essential.

PAINFUL FEET

My feet trouble me very much. They are swollen and they itch and ache so bad I can hardly bear it.

Answer—The swelling may be due to some kidney trouble. You should have the kidney secretion examined. Bathe the feet at night in a basin of water in which a crystal of permanganate of potash has been added; stir until the fluid looks like claret. In the mornings dust talcum powder on your feet before putting on your stockings. Much foot anguish will be avoided by wearing footgear that is dictated not by fashion but by common sense, letting fashion go her ways whenever she does not coincide with common sense. The sensible is always the truly beautiful; and if you will believe me most appreciated by men worth while pleasing. This is so in footwear as in all apparel. Shoes made to order from an outline drawn of the stockinged feet give the best results. Shoes should generally be almost an inch longer than the foot; the toe neither pointed nor absolutely square; the sole nearly flat on the bottom and not turned up from the ground like a section of a rocking chair. The heels should be low. Extension of the soles outward around the uppers affords all the better foot support.

Dr. Huber will answer all signed letters pertaining to Health. If your question is of general interest it will be answered through these columns; if not it will be answered personally if stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed. Dr. Huber will not prescribe for individual cases or make diagnoses. Address Dr. John B. Huber, care of this newspaper.