Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1897 — THE VALUE OF LEGS. [ARTICLE]

THE VALUE OF LEGS.

Benefits of Correct Walking a* Aid to Good Health. Few people appreciate as they should the advantage of having legs. It is true that many have awakened to the fact that legs are good for working the pedals on a wheel, and others think them serviceable in whirling their bodies two by two over the polished surface of a ball-room floor in the early morning hours, when they had better be sleeping. But how many there are who do not appreciate the blessing of having two sound legs to walk on, and who do not realize that, having them, they are independent of circumstances! Young or old, rich or poor, in good weather or in bad, in the city or in the country, over rough roads or smooth, or no roads at all, they can take themselves out, they can spur up the circulation to its work of supplying new fuel to the boiler of the body and removing Its ashes; they can expand the lungs with fresh, pure air, and blow out the seeds of disease that only ask to be Mt alone to take root and bear deadly fruit; they can clear the brain, brushing away the cobwebs of disappointment, doubt and melancholy, filling their place with the iridescent tints of and healthful hope. £ Here we have a machine that is always ready for use, chainless, with self-lubricating and dust-proof bearings, close tread, changeable gear, absolutely puncture-proof tires, and an anatomical saddle superior to any in the market. Perhaps the reason why so rew appreciate the treasure they possess in their legs is because so few know how to use them. The walker should step briskly, with head, erect, shoulder* back and arms swinging, breathing deeply with closed mouth. Strolling, la better than nothing, for even that takes us into pure, open air; but there is nothing like a good swinging gait for putting life into one. Quick walking is good at any time except just after a hearty meal, but best of all in the forenoon or at bedtime. For students the evening walk is invaluable. If hard study must be continued late into the evening, sleep will be much more certain and refreshing if the mind is cleared and soothed by a brisk turn of five or ten minutes. Such a turn is useful, too, if drowsiness comes before the task is finished; it tones up the tireil brain cells and freshens the jaded memory.—Youth’* - Companion.