What Your Feet Reveal About You: Myth or Fact?

As most of us know, an old wives' tale is much like an urban legend, supposedly passed down by elders to the younger generation. Are these facts or myths, such as this superstition: "If you let someone sweep under your feet you will never find a good husband!"

You may have heard, for example, that having the 2nd toe longer than the big toe is a sign of nobility. WPST, a radio station in Princeton, New Jersey, recently aired what a person's feet may reveal about them:

• If a person's second toe is longer than the others, they are dependable, conservative and keep their emotions in check.
• If a person's third toe is bigger than the others, they're hot-headed and have a temper.
• If a person has long toes, they're among the thinkers of the world.
• If a person's feet are wide, they're a hard worker and have strong family values.
• If a person's feet are narrow, they're shy and quiet.
• If a person has webbed feet (a hereditary trait), they're the life of the party and would make a good salesperson or entertainer.

While all this is entertaining, many people are just plain embarrassed by their feet, a problem that proper foot care can go a long way to solving. Recommendations from foot care experts include:

• Thoroughly wash and dry feet daily
• Gently massage feet daily, to improve circulation
• Throw out old shoes
• Throw out uncomfortable shoes that could cause corns, bunions and calluses
• Change socks and shoes twice daily
• Throw out old nail polish
• Every person should have their own nail implements, not to be shared with others
• Periodically place shoes or slippers in a sunny place where they can air out
• If you have diabetes, or are concerned about your feet, consult a podiatrist

For those ready to do something about their unattractive feet, here are some products that offer a “foot makeover."