Confidences | Page 8

blood. If you want to have nice red cheeks, you must breathe in
plenty of fresh air. Also you must have plenty of exercise, so as to help
send the blood all over the body. You know when you run, the blood
flows much faster than when you are quiet. It is a good plan to stand by
an open window every morning and every evening and fill your lungs
with good, pure air, taking about twenty-five deep breaths.

* * * * *
I want to help you to grow as beautiful as God meant you to be when
He thought of you first.
George MacDonald.
* * * * *

CHAPTER VII
THE SIGN LANGUAGE
Do you know one way we can tell if all the organs are doing their work
well? By watching for the sign language. If the blood is not carrying
the skin sufficient nourishment, it will be very pale and dull looking. If
the waste materials are not being carried off, they may accumulate in
the skin and clog the pores. Then we will have pimples or blackheads.
Each person's skin is a law unto itself, and what is beneficial to one
may not be to another. Generally, though, it will be found helpful to
bathe the face at night with hot water, to remove all dirt; then, if the
skin is rough, massage with good cold cream. In the morning a quick
rub with cold water should be taken (and do not be afraid to rub the
face a little). If you are going out in the sun or wind, follow with a little
good talcum or rice powder, to protect the face from the raw winds, or,
if the skin is inclined to be dry, apply a little cold cream before using
the powder. Any eruptions on the face show a defect in the circulation.
The blood is not disposing of the waste material properly, and it is
being left to clog the pores of the skin. These eruptions should not be
neglected, as they sometimes indicate a serious condition of the blood
or circulation.
The eyes tell if we are tired or unwell, for then they will be dull, while,
if we abuse or strain them, they often are red. This not only makes them
less attractive, but it shows we must attend to them. Would it not be
dreadful if they became so tired or worn out that we could not see with
them? The care of the eyes is very important. When you are reading or
writing, the light should come over your left shoulder, and you should
never try to read in a poor light. Sometimes, if the eyes are tired, it will
rest them to bathe them in warm, boiled water in which some boracic
acid crystals have been dissolved. You may even put a few drops of
this solution right in the eye, but never put anything else in it except by
the directions of a physician, as the eyes are too precious to take any
risks, and sometimes they are injured by various eye waters.
The hair also shows the state of the health, and it shows if we are

careless. Nothing so detracts from a girl's appearance as soiled or
untidy hair. One of the most potent charms a woman can have is a
well-kept, luxuriant, glossy head of hair. Just think how quickly one
notices thin, dry, stiff hair on a woman's head. And as for those that
carry around diseased scalps, plastered with offensive oils, they are
perfectly hideous. If people only knew how much esteem they lose
through such defects, they would give more attention to the matter. The
hair should be shampooed often enough to keep it clean and fluffy.
How often that is depends on the nature of the hair and the occupation
of the owner. Usually once in two weeks is often enough, but light, oily
hair may require it more frequently, for it loses much of its beauty
when oily. To promote the growth of the hair, massage of the scalp
usually brings very satisfactory results, stimulating a new growth and
healthy appearance. The value of tonics often is in the massage. Many
of the hair tonics and shampoos on the market not only are not
beneficial, but are dangerous. An ordinary egg shampoo, which may be
prepared at home, is perhaps the best, for it not only cleanses but
nourishes the hair.
I must remind you of a part of your body that many people notice very
often and by it judge if you are careless. That is your hands and nails.
People who are careful about the appearance of their nails usually are
careful about other things. You will find as you grow older that you