It is correct to let the heel touch the ground first, but the weight should very quickly be transferred to the ball of the foot. The correct position of the feet is with the toes pointed straight forward. This straight-foot position is characteristic of our best athletes, our native Indians, and others who are noted for great endurance in running and walking. Two things are essential: stockings should be a little longer than the feet, and shoes should be roomy at the toes and have heels not more than one inch high. =Sitting.= As our schoolgirls sit many hours each day, it is vital to their health that they sit correctly. When sitting, one should push back in the chair as far as possible. In the resting position the entire trunk should lean backwards against the back of the chair; the hips should not be allowed to slide forward in the seat. In the active position the trunk is held erect or inclined forward. When leaning forward in a sitting position, the trunk must be held erect or inclined forward, and the bending should be from the hips, not from the waistline. Girls should not sit on one foot nor with the knees crossed, as these positions interfere with the circulation. When a person is sitting, the feet may be crossed if a change of position is desired. [Illustration: WRONG WAY TO CARRY SCHOOLBOOKS RIGHT WAY TO CARRY SCHOOLBOOKS] =Carrying of schoolbooks.= In going to and from school, books should be carried on the right arm one day, on the left arm the next day, or they may be divided and carried partly on each arm. Of course the best plan is not to carry many books home. All pupils should prepare as many lessons during the study periods of each school day as classes will permit. =Position when reading.= Children should be taught at an early age not to let the light, either natural or artificial, shine in their eyes. The strongest light should come from the left. Light from above is the best. One should not read too long at any one time without looking up at some distant object in order to rest the muscles of the eyes. CARE OF THE SKIN The skin is the outer covering of the body. It serves as a protection to the body and as an organ of excretion. Many waste products which would act as poisons if retained in the body are carried away through the pores of the skin by means of perspiration. This perspiration is produced by sweat-producing glands. Closely related to these are the oil-producing glands. The constant presence of perspiration and oily material from the glands makes it important that the skin be kept clean so that the pores may not become clogged. [Illustration: hair epidermis sweat gland dermis SECTION OF THE SKIN]