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 compiled by the following companies:
United Kingdom Temperance and General Provident Institution of London;[1][O] The Sceptre Life;[2] The Scottish Temperance Life of Glasgow;[3] The Abstainers and General Life of London;[4] The Manufacturers’ Life of Canada;[5] Security Mutual Life of Binghamton, N. Y.[6]
[O] The notes (“[1]” etc.) refer to the publications listed at the close of the section.