WHAT makes a leg beautiful ? A pretty shape, of course. Exercises to help you achieve this. Alasl leg ailments such as varicose veins and swollen ankles are quite common among women and will spoil even the most shapely leg. Below are some hints on the

treatment and prevention of such conditions.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when the little valves in the leg veins break down and therefore stop the free circulation of the blood.

If you let them become a serious problem, they will not only spoil the look of your legs, but cause you a great deal of pain and discomfort.

With care and a simple routine, however, you can prevent varicose veins from forming.

Make a point of putting your feet up whenever you can — always at a slant, so that the blood can round back down again easily and ease the pressure In the veins.

When you have a bath, finish off by splashing your legs alternately with hot and cold water. This is good for improving circulation generally, and will also give you a beauty bonus by keeping your skin smooth and free fr6m goosepimples.

If you find your legs get tired easily, or you notice the beginning of varicose veins, it Is a good idea to wear elasticised support hose or a special supporting stocking.

Bad cases of varicose veins can be treated by a minor operation. In any case, if you have even slight traces of swollen veins, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Swollen Ankles

Thick ankles and swollen ankles are another drawback to shapely legs. If yours seem swollen all the time or swell up very easily and often, consult your doctor, as this might be a sign of kidney or heart trouble.

But a far more common cause of swollen ankles is Just plain tired feet after a hard day. The best way to avoid this ankle-swelling is to make sure that your shoes are really comfortable and not too high-heeled if you have to be on your feet a lot.

Girls with standing-all-day

Jobs should take a mediumheeled pair to change Into at work. Cramming your poor feet into those oh-so-e)egant-bul-Just too tight shoes never pays off. No matter how smart the shoes are. no girl is at her best wit h a look of strain on her'face. due to aching, swollen feet and • ankles.

If your ankles do swell after a long day's shopping, sit with your feet up for 15 minutes. Then plunge your feet into hot and cold water alternately.

You will find your feet will stay more comfortable if. before going out in the morning, you apply one of the preparations for keeping them cool and fresh throughout the day.

Ankles which are least likely to swell up from tiredness are those which are taken good care Of regularly. So every night at bedtime make a point of massaging your legs from the ankles to the knees, always working upwards. It is a good idea to, rub them with hand lotion before you start. This not only makes the massage movement easier but also gives a smoothing, softening treatment to the skin of the legs. mg