The Washington times., 1920-09-11
High Heels
and Lou
Grades
By DR.. William A. McKeever
Professor In the UniversIty OF Kan
aas and a Well-known Educator.

EGT HE higher the heels the
lower the grades."-Re-
mark of a high school
principal.
That high heels, as now worn by
school girls, have very bad effect
upon the mentality and the disposi-
tion of their victims there is little
room for doubt. The pains and
strains, loss of equilibrium of the
entire body. the compensatory bends
and curves natures rebellion
against such an abuse and her ef-
fort to correct it-these matters all
react upon the mind. Some day. 1
hope. we shall have comparative
test of high-heel girls and low-heel
girls to determine the actual diff
ference in their grades and deport-
ment.
If one is suffering from a dull
toothache the consequent nerve re-
action and bodily, strains noticeably
disturb the digestive processes and
correspondingly the keenness and
clearness of the thinking.
This suggests the type OF the
mental influence of high heels. The
loss of bodily poise and Of organic
well-being and equilibrium bre axis
up the rhythmic life processes. Stu
pidity, dullness, irritability, eccen-
tricity, weakened memory. lack of
continuity of thinking, and the
like-these are the prices some OF
which must be paid by the pupil
Tho is suffering from any kind OF
organic arrangement.
But in order to convince the par
cnt OF the folly of high heels for the
school girl and especially of the
possible loss of mental ability and
moral quality-"the resultant foot
strains or foot ills not being con-
fined to the foot itself. but trace
able to referAed pains and referred
disorders" says an eminent physi-
clan and lecturer-let us note the
following:
!. Loss of bodily posture.
. Disturbed foot heNion.
3. Slight bending of the knees.
4. Sagging of the abdomen.
8. Flattening of the chest
6. Double curvature of the spino.
These suggest the general dis
turbances of bodily equilibrium and
the arrangements of organic func-
ton which are certain in some de-
gree to accompany the use of high
heels.
Take number four above. for ex-
ample. The sagging of the abdo-
men means weakened liver and
kidney action, either one of which
has a most pronounced influence
upon the mind. The poison clogged
in the liver means poison in the
brain. Retarded kidney action
means likewise dulled brain action.
The connections between mind and
body are here most positive and
quick to reveal themselves.
= Or. take number five. Flattening
OF the chest means weakened lung
activity and decrease In red blood
corpuscles, another most positive
deterrent of the mind. The droop-
ing of the head. so noticeable here,
is but another coincidence of
corresponding bend backward in
the spine. a small bump at the
shoulders, and probably another one
at the lower spinal region.
Consider again the sagging OF the
abdomen. This means tight lacing
and stiff corsets to hide the de-
formity. with contracted waist line,
weakened wall muscles and congest-
cd blood supply. Here Vie have
further blow at the heart action,
the general circulatory system, the
normal fresh tone and vigor OF both
the body and the mind.
Finally. am not discussing
health. but mind and morals. " you
want your girl 10 learn easily, to
receive high grades and to lead her
class. get her down off those high
heels at once