A Small Price for Sitting Pretty

Q. Why do numerous people cross their legs once they sit? Are there health consequences?

A. While some people say they find it easier to cross their legs at the ankles or knees while sitting, in most cases the position is habitually chosen due to custom, etiquette, or modesty.

A recent demonstration of the facility of etiquette over the leg the position came at this year’s royal wedding in England.

A majority of the adult women within the British royalty carefully prefers to sit with crossed ankles or close flat feet.

The health impact of crossing the legs has been debated, but most experts dismiss it as minor.

For example, a vital sign is elevated when legs are crossed at the knees, but slightly and briefly.

Varicose veins result from inborn vein characteristics, not leg position.