Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Courtney, Richmond, VA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:51:58 GMT

Yaaaayyy!!! I am so happy to read this! I have always wondered why the medical community seemed to have turned it's back on common sense things like leeches. And thanks for that last bit, Mr. Leyner. Everyone should be respectful of all living things, not just the cute and cuddly varieties.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Tina Medrano, Purcell, Oklahoma — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:00:35 GMT

How is the leeches helping Demi Moore? What is it supposed to do? I understand it's benefits for medical, but why would you even want to do this for beauty? Sounds like she's really trying to hold onto her youth, and that's just impossible.
thanks for listening.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Bri, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:15:10 GMT

Demi Moore's beauty "secret" is cosmetic surgery, not leeches! How ridiculous. Leeches won't help you look like her, but her plastic surgeon might.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Dancing Tree, Washington, DC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:43:03 GMT

Basically for health reasons would be the reason for my use of leeches or maggots. Check out an older book "Honey Mud & Maggots". It tells of old time remedies for a variety of conditions, especially in poorer areas or third world countries. Scar tissues are less noticable. Rather than put chemicals into my body (pharmaceuticals), I'd rather try a more nature-based approach. That's the way it was done, way back when. Also, considering the resistance rates to drugs, why not go back to 'the old ways'?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Bonnie Grad — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:47:15 GMT

I'm wondering if this works for the MRSA bug?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Dan, Columbia, MD — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:04:40 GMT

This was a fun article. It didn't really go into too much depth on the subject, but it hit enough highlights to hopefully interest people into looking into it some more.

I agree with much of Mr. Leyner's comments at the end, even if most people (myself included) don't hold such a strong connection to the insect world. And I too would take exception to the characterization of his fascination with insects as "morbid." It's a disappointing statement which serves more to color the readers' opinions than to inform them.

I would advise Mr. Leyner, however, to keep in mind the culture he's addressing when building his argument. My guess is the last paragraph will turn off a large portion of the audience who may have found the rest of your remarks sound and compelling. Not many people are ready to consider the idea of an insect having a mind, or to be referred as anything but "it." (I proffer this advise with my best intentions - I think it's important people who challenge our biases make the strongest arguments possible, and it is in that spirit I make my remark).

I'm happy there are people like Mr. Leyner who don't accept the usual biases as a matter of course. I'm also thrilled to know our medical community is also willing to get past them and explore alternatives which may lead to better patient care.

Again: this was a fun article.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Gina, Portland — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:13:18 GMT

If the maggots work to get rid of bloody marks (post-surgical), I wonder if they would work for rosacea? My face is way too red, and there are no drugs that work for it.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Megan, Washington DC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:26:49 GMT

That was just for her husband's show Pop Fiction. She was making that up. (Obviously, she has had a TON of plastic surgery.)

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Georgia — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:28:58 GMT

I don't think Demi Moore looks fantastic. Have you seen flawless? You can only hide age with cosmetics and surgery for so long and it looks ridiculous at any age. It's stupid, delusional, and maladjusted to keep trying to preserve youth. It's not right. People need to wake up. She doesn't look young. She looks like an older person who has had work done....period.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Megan, Kansas City, Missouri — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:06:34 GMT

Okay, that is a rather "remembering the hits and forgetting the misses" kind of thinking.
It would be rather difficult to go back to the "old ways", what with the knowledge we have gained about the human body since then. I must also mention that not all remedies from the old days are a good idea. There were many practices that should never be used again. (for example, blood-letting as a way to balance the four Humours, or children's soothing syrup which contained ingredients you would never think of using on a child today) I much rather trust today's medicine.

I trust more modern

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Larian LeQuella, 3rd Rock from the Sun — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:17:11 GMT

While there are actual medical benefits and reasons to use leeches and maggots, I find it distressing that celeberties fall for they shysters that peddle them as some sort of beauty enhancement... Sadly Demi's long lasting beauty has nothing to do with leeches, but probably many other factors like diet, exercise, genetics, etc... SOme poor schmuck is going to buy into the leeches though and lose nothing but time and money (and some blood I suppose) and wonder what went wrong.

I sincerely wish there was a way to put a disclaimer on anything a celebrity says: "This person is being taken to the cleaner, please do some actual research before following their harebrained ideas!"

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Bees — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:42:37 GMT

I find this similar to a celebrity craze a few years ago (and probably still now) of bee stings. They are supposed to help your immune system, I guess.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Christina, Charleston, SC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:55:48 GMT

I think it is wonderful that Mark Leyner has a respect for insects!! I am always telling people to learn to co-exist. People have been murdering bees for years, now they are disappearing and everybody's in a tizzy. There is a natural order to things whether you are religious or not, liberal or republican, etc, etc, everybody needs to stop being so extreme and learn how to reason.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Wendy Leach, One Mile from One of Corzine's Follies, NJ — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:08:00 GMT

Glad to see leeches are back for use in a medically approved way. My ancestors in England used them professionally centuries ago.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Ell — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:26:09 GMT

Surgery first, then the leeches to make the scar disappear. Is that it?
Heck, if I had lots of money, I'd get a nutritionist, a trainer; I'd visit the spa; get a relaxing vacation, go to some mountain or whatever to meditate; make myself beautiful; not stress about the government taking the money I've saved.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Erica Mack, Denver, CO — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:32:58 GMT

Maybe not all old remedy's are the best, but look at what the pharmacutical companys are doing to us and we let them! I am appalled at most of the perscription adds when they list the "side affects", are they really worth putting our bodies through. I think it is time to look at the more natural remedies instead of putting all the chemicals into our bodies.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Enid Fox, San Jose — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:36:35 GMT

This is a fantastic way to lower your ferritin level if it is high. Ferritin is stored iron. Iron is very oxidative. Too much oxidation can cause premature aging... I can totally buy this one.

Even better is to just donate blood to your local blood bank!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Dodger Fan, LA, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:54:23 GMT

Are you kidding? She looks fantastic! How do you look or are going to look at her age? I tell ya, I wish I looked that horrible. Why be haters?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Anonymous, Vacationing in Salt Lake City, Utah — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:19:09 GMT

Sir,
There is certainly no evidence to support your fanciful notion that insects brains are wired for anything other than things like: the urge to eat, run from predators and to reproduce. I’m not suggesting that insects are simply pests or have no importance in the circle of life, but to say, “Do you know what flashes in an insect’s mind (yes, his MIND) the instant before he’s crushed…Probably his Mom”, is quite misleading indeed. Assigning complex human emotions to insects doesn’t help your credibility or cause.
P.S. Please forgive any grammar or spelling mistakes, as English is my second language.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

JW CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:57:22 GMT

I never read anything pertaining to the beauty secret of the leeches for Demi Moore at all in this article. What's the beauty secret?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Pam, Carroll, IA — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:58:50 GMT

For rosacea, try self-tanner for faces. I had it and went to two dermatologists who couldn't get rid of it. I started using a self tanner to hide it, since foundation make up irritated it more. I used very light self tanner every day instead of moisturizer and foundation. Once it cleared up, I switched to Mary Kay moisturizer and foundation. I can't hurt to try!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Nancy — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:53:37 GMT

So I was sucked in by the sensationalism of the title of this story and never given an answer. What DOES Demi Moore actually use the leeches for?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Gina, Denver, CO — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:08:19 GMT

I agree with all who said that Demi's beauty (however illusionary) is a result of makeup, and plastic surgery. The only health benefit of "bleeding" via leeches or whatever is that it may rid the body of excess iron. Too much iron in a body has been linked to heart attacks. But you don't need to do anything as barbaric as use leeches, you can donate bloood once a year and this should do the trick. And for us pre-menepausal women, don't even worry about it, we loose enough blood once a month to suffice.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Laddi, Detroit, MI — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:03:19 GMT

My husband is a modern day ICU physician and I had no idea before this article, but these little bugs - leeches and maggots both, are a part of the arsenal they use in the battle of healing every day. Who knew?!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

cpackard@alcatel-lucent.com,debiwarrenaz@yahoo.com,mejarjar@yahoo.com — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:47:41 GMT

Hey Cheryl,
I was dying to know how Demi keeps so young looking and ended up finding out it WASN'T plastic surgery!

Seeing as you're allergic to shellfish, you might give up all hopes of eating grasshoppers, grubs and chocolate covered ants! And you thought that leeches were just for fishing.

Dave

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

James, Portland, Oregon — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:48:10 GMT

Hmm, interesting, but personally, I have a deeper affection for spiders, than bugs. As for those people who eat insects, they make a good meal for the poor, in those countries. Is it any different, from Leyner's view, to eat a grasshopper, than to eat steak?
If a spider would eat a grasshopper, then why shouldn't I?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

MARYANN,CHATSWORTH,GEORGIA — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:08:35 GMT

i think Demi looks great and I dont think its from surgery and if leeches are whats helping then more power to her!! Other women just get jealous and wish they look that great

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Beverly, Cayce, SC — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:29:47 GMT

Why not just help other Americans by giving her blood to the Red Cross?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Lily, Ann Arbor, MI — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:35:52 GMT

I believe you are forgetting how many people died because of too much "leeching". It's true that the anticoagulant from leeches can help in surgeries, but they are parasites, and shouldn't be used too liberally.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Ann, KC MO — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Demi Moore is an idiot and a liar. Her looks are attributable to winning the genetic lotto (and lots of plastic surgery). Bleeding, via leech or any other method, would only help her if she was Hyperchromatic (produced too many red blood cells).

Gina - Maggots wouldn't help your Rosacia. Neither would leeches (you know, the ones which actually suck blood?) because Rosacia is an inflammatory problem, not a blood-pooling problem.

A partial list of some "natural, old-time remedies" which were widely used in the "good old days, when everyone ate twigs and rubbed themselves in mud and lived to be 312"... snort:

Lead-based cosmetics and "beauty creams"
Laudanum (pure opium dissolved in lab alcohol)
Mercury enemas
Tincture of Mercury "health tonics"
Tincture of Arsenic "health tonics"
Arsenic-based "beauty creams"
Bleeding, "leeching" or "cupping" for absolutely everything

Leeches, maggots, honey, sugar, etc. have a place in modern medicine, and not infrequently can be used to solve persistent problems, but don't for one second buy the complete nonsense that everyone was healthier and lived longer in the "good old days" before modern medicine.

They didn't. Period. And they frequently died young, horribly, and in agony from something which is now completely treatable or preventable.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Barbara Whidden RN, Toccoa, Ga — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:16:31 GMT

After acknowledgeing the above comments, I can't help offering my own testimonial. In WWII my father sustained serious injuries from a motorcycle accident while carrying a message on a private governmant road. .....On arrival at the ER my mother was first told that Dad would die. He refused to do so. Then Mom was told Dad would lose both his legs. Again, he refused. He waas in Veterans's Hospitals for three years with twenty-nine surgeries. The recurrent gangreen and other infections were managed with maggot therapy. The hospital had its own sterile lab where it grew sterile maggots. Three times a wweek Dad's wounds were cleaned and fresh maggots placed in them...Botton-line: Dad kept both his legs and eventually walked again and had a good life. God made all things great and small and I thank Him for the maggot....It's good to see younger generations come to appreciate (and evaluate) the early good things nature provides.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Deborah Kansas City, Kansas — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:03:18 GMT

Hello. I for one, am SICK of hearing about Demi Moore's looks. She has more money and lives a livestyle that most American women can only dream of. She does not look the way she does because she follows the beauty regime of an American mother dealing with children, money, drugs, guns, and absent fathers. STOP STOP STOP talking about her looks. She looks the way she does because she has the money to buy her looks. If she used her money to help the homeless or hungry, then you'd have something worth writing about. What's her claim to fame? She married Bruce Willis and gave her kids goofy names. By the way, she has ugly legs.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Jim Mayer, Baltimore, MD — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:09:58 GMT

Demi uses leaches? This is one time I wish I were a leach...

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Ali, Tehran, Iran — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:23:21 GMT

Once again people forget (or perhaps Demi's forgotten) beauty is only skin deep. What's everlasting is wisdom, knowledge, and experience. That's far more attractive and worthwhile in the end.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Mrs. Brogden — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:36:23 GMT

even though this had very little to do with demi moore, it was a great article. Good to see the alternatives to drugs. I think it is great that we can use insects, and bugs for good. I personally love bugs. I was the girl that chased everyone around with a worm dangling in my hand. :)

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Bosco, Washington, D.C. — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:59:20 GMT

Demi Moore's beauty secret is plastic surgery plain and simple. No Iam not a hater and I could care less what someone wants to do with their face or body. But to insult the public's intelligence by saying -oh this is all natural or I just have good genes please, you don't
genetically grow silicone breast implants or suddenly by good genes those brow lines you had a decade ago are now non- existent. Why lie?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Laura, Foley Alabama — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:55:12 GMT

Excellent article... Between medicinal honey and our wonderful friends the insects, there is so much healing that can be done that has essentially no negative effects, unlike drugs. May we show more appreciation and respect for what was put on this earth to help us, and become the true caretakers we are supposed to be, and they will return the favor...

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Lorenzo Garcia, logan, utah — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:01:41 GMT

What else can bugs do?

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Ana Moss Tampa, Florida — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:40:25 GMT

Just as intriguing as the article were all the comments...I agree w/ all who said Demi's "youthful appearance" is from plastic surgery. No, I'm not a "hater". There are many GORGEOUS actresses I love (such as Angolina Jolie!) I just don't happen to believe that Demi is attractive. And not looking her age YET is because of surgery, and surgery only!
As for using leeches or any other insect to help heal myself...I suppose I would have to be in that situation to really decide what I would do.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Moi, Gaithersburg Maryland — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:52:53 GMT

I am not knocking today's medical advancement but dont forget that this medications give outrageuos side effects. I remember a friend telling me his wife went to the doctor for one thing and came out of that just to start nursing HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.

I believe it is not just the old medical approaches that was great but those people lived a natural life. They eat fresh food not processed, they exercised (going to the stream, farming, farming itself etc) not drive around in SUVs, the children played outside (running and climbing) not sit in front of TV or playing video games.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Michelle-Cumberland,MD — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:12:50 GMT

I'm kind of sad right now. A friend and I found a turtle with quite a chunk out of its shell and flesh underneath. It was swarming with maggots. We're not talking little rice-sized ones either! We made an hour long operation of removing them as the turtle appeared to be extremely uncomfortable. They kept crawling through muscle tissue and coming back out like they were looking for something. Anyways, we turned it loose after a few days and now I'm wondering if maybe we did the poor thing a disservice, although flies smell rot and I imagine it will be reinfested in no time.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Susan, Sandy Springs, GA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:57:53 GMT

Why do all of you people hate Demi Moore beacuase she looks good for her age? And you assume that she has had plastic surgery.... It is quite possible that she has good genes and ages well.... I am a year younger than her and look like I am in my early 30's according to everyone I know, including my dermatologist. I don't do anything except use good products, stay out of the sun, and take care of myself. Give her a break. You don't know her or what she does to stay young looking. Sounds like lots of you are jealous.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Anni, Madrid, Spain — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:40:37 GMT

I think the leeches are for reducing scarring and clotting. Sheesh, chill out people. Good for her, whether you like her or not, it seems people are just exploding for no reason. Some people do age well. My mother is 55 and barely has wrinkles and no grey hairs.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Lisa Saco Me — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:41:06 GMT

You are right, I am 44 and people think i am 34-36. I take care of myself, and i have a friend who has tons of lines on her face (same age) so its about tons of exercise, water, and good sun protection. Bottome line and no drugs, alcohol. So don't be jealous of anyone who does not look their age, do something about your self. Take your inventory.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Jennifer, Wisconsin — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:56:17 GMT

So about 6 months ago, I had to have reconstructive surgery on my thigh. I had a free tram skin flap put onto my thigh from my stomach tissue. There was a chance that my flap would not take and my body would reject it. My surgeon started seeing signs of rejected and prescribed the use of leeches. I had leech therapy for about 2 weeks and it cleared up most of the conjestion in my thigh. Now, my flap is really healthy and it is all thanks to having leech therapy. It is gross, I must say, but well worth it!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Just Me — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:05:57 GMT

Personally, I think Demi looks like a mid 40'ish age woman. She is not ugly nor is She beautiful. I believe diet, exercise, and good health habits is the best therapy for anyone.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Fibina in Rosendale NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:15:09 GMT

Blood sucking leeches help Demi with her "beauty"????
I say cosmetic surgery helps her. I mean come on
Leeches have a place in science and medicine but to use someone like a mother of three that looks like her (Demi)-it's obvious how much surgery she has had. If you's used someone more "normal looking and less "Made-up" I would have given your article more creedence. Perhaps she uses leeches because she is one(going from her ex-husband bruce willis to a new more modern much younger man constitutes a leech in my book.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Fibina in Rosendale NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:51:33 GMT

Blood sucking leeches help Demi with her "beauty"????
I say cosmetic surgery helps her. I mean come on
Leeches have a place in science and medicine but to use someone like a mother of three that looks like her (Demi)-it's obvious how much surgery she has had. If you'd used someone more "normal" looking and less "Made-up" I would have given your article more creedence. Perhaps she uses leeches because she is one(going from her ex-husband Bruce willis to a new more modern much younger man constitutes a leech in my book.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Veev Olivebridge NY — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:58:34 GMT

In response to Susan from Sandy Springs.
I don't assume she has had plastic sugery, I know it. Not every one has "good genes" and the rest of us have to work for a living. We don't own a house that we only keep our "dolls " in. She may use leeches for publicity but she has been under the knife more than once. The younger version of a husband for this year Austin K. must also use leeches to stay as young looking as Demi's daughters.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Vicki Barnes, Independence, MO — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:36:03 GMT

Reply to Michelle in Cumberland, MD - Turtles are extremely hardy creatures with very slow metabolisms, which enable them to survive things other creatures might not. While the turtle you found was no doubt uncomfortably itchy from all the maggots, removing them probably did no harm. If there is still dead tissue, they will be back. Maggots will eat the dead tissue but leave the healthy tissue alone. You should be commended for trying and having the good sense to release the turtle back into the wild. It will probably recover and be fine.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

barry — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:43:17 GMT

I think Demi is very beautiful, but she has had surgery and has admitted to it and it cost a large chunk of money people...she uses the leeches for her internal health and not for the outside. Her outside is taken care of by her natural beauty and her plastic surgeon!!!!get real people!!!!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

jb — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:48:20 GMT

Demi is beautiful, but let's face it she has had over 250,000.00 dollars worth of surgery in the past five years folks. From brow lifts, knee surgery(the skin gets a little flabby and old looking there too), sucked the fat out of her thighs, stomach, inner things, and back, and also had her breasts done...if we had all of this done to our bodies we would look pretty good ourselves...but of course we don't have that kind of money. The leeches are used for internal purposes and not the beauty on the outside. Got to give her credit for trying to keep up with Ashton though!!!!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Selena — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:08:55 GMT

Michelle at Cumberland: Unfortunatly, you did. The turtle was in pain from the lack of a shell. The maggots might of felt weird to it, but with so much of the shell gone, it's already endured a lot of pain. It was probably attacked as food and somehow got away. You didn't know the benefits of this "infestation" or why nature created a self-sustaining world. Maggots are just part of a long chain of life. You obiviously have a big heart and good intentions, though I fear if the wound was bad enough the turtle might die from something bigger than a maggot smelling it (turtles need their shell for protection in many ways). Plus, if maggots were there, the wound would be clean and wouldn't smell like rot. If you smelled anything it was probably the natural smell of the turtle and it's home. It's sad you have second thoughts, but just chock it up to a lesson. Next time you see that, leave it be. If you feel it's bad enough, take it to a local vet. They are more than willing to care for animals who have been hurt!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

not stupid, Seattle area — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:38:49 GMT

Crickets and grasshoppers are food in Thailand with street vendors hawking their wares like ice-cream salesmen

(and, yes, you can get ice cream from a street vendor, too, just not the same one)

Grasshoppers have the side benefit of coming equipped with their own toothpicks

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Kay Seattle WA — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:25:44 GMT

Fascinating article. But, I'd have to disagree with Mark Leynor's last statement.

Actually, the last thing to go through an insect's brain, when hit with a blunt object would be his REAR END. Literally. Think about it!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Kathy Port Orchard, WA — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:40:26 GMT

Michelle at Cumberland:

My Dad was allergic to any pets with hair, so I raised turtles in the summer at our lake cabin. (Hard to hug, I know.)

My favorite turtle, which I later named Myrtle (Gimme a break - I was 8 yrs old!) was attacked by a muskrat one night and also sustained a bad injury to her shell. When she reappeared a few days later, she had maggots and was sluggish - even for a turtle - and the wound had a terrible odor. I also "cleaned" the wound. The next day she was gone. I was given a talk about nature and how the muskrat probably came back and it was hungry too... but I was so sad.

The next summer, she was back! There was an indentation where the injury had been, but she was healed up and healthy enough to lay eggs! That's when I knew "it" was a "she" and named her Myrtle. Cheer up. Nature takes care of our mistakes.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Mamachill, Long Island, NY — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:05:04 GMT

Good grief, people, leave Demi in peace! Okay, she's got bread to take care of her health needs like hire trainers, nutritionists, buy products that help her skin, is probably informed about things, and sure, genetics help. I'm about Demi's age and while not as young looking, still look good for my age. It's all about the state of your mind and heart, eating unprocessed whole foods, not turning to drugs for every little ailment, exercise, taking care of yourself, and I thank my parents for my genes. I'm a working mother too, so don't use motherhood of lack of time as an excuse not to take care of yourself. She looks like a woman who made the right choices, led a full life, in her 40s but looks great, doesn't look like she had plastic surgery done to me, has good make-up artists and photographers, and is a well maintained woman. Jealousy and negativity will make you look old and ugly!

Oh, and as for the leeches and maggots and other bug therapy, GREAT!! Whatever helps! Thanks little buggers!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

fred siegel,buffalo,n.y. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:50:21 GMT

as far as leeches go.....they were often used to heal people of different ailments including pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the skin....my grandfather used them all the time to heal theses ailments....they seem to suck fresh blood into an infected area and at the same time suck out the toxisins.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

RW, UTah — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:08:16 GMT

I wonder if Maggot therapy would work on the blackheads on my nose. They [maggots] cant' be any grosser than my blackheads.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Des Barchet — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:10:17 GMT

I don't think she would say she uses leeches just for some kind of sick fantasy or somthing. LIke for all you creeps out there who think I am super hot, just imaagine my whole body covered in Leaches.

For all practical purposes, she probably does use them, as it says in the article, leeches do have medical benifits like to remove blood from the site of skin grafts, or reatach parts, or to rlieve congestion in the blood vessels.
Now I am not saying that demi has never had plasic surgery, this I don't know, but it sounds like the use of leaches might aid in a speedy and healthy recovery. This might make the procedure that much more effective. I have also heard of leaches being used fro beauty because of there anti congestion property's. Blood clots can lead to heart attack and stroke. So this could also be a preventative medacine.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Des Barchet — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:24:34 GMT

In response to Demi is a Leech, Just Because she is a movie star does not make her invulnerable to human problems.. 50% of americans have gotten divorces. And i say more power to her for picking such a young stud. Usually it is men who leave for the younger woman. I don't judge her badly for this at all...!She has worked for many years, and so what if she gets a little plastic surgery. Not that she still wouldn't be totally hot without it. But whatev's if you want to call her a leach, but you'de better believe that she's one hot mothr of a leach! And As for Ashton and Willis, Well I think they are all one big happy family. I'm sure she still loves Bruce in a way they were together for like over 10 years. But it didn't work out. They went there separate ways. No harm done. Not like he need's her money or she needs his.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

wan — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:20:43 GMT

Enlightening!

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Jolene, Detroit, MI — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:38:52 GMT

Seriously, why are people so offended that people are saying Demi had plastic surgery - She doesnt deny it. Its a fact. She does it, and she admits it. Whats the problem

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Jag, NC, USA — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:54:51 GMT

I like this article, as it's well-written and informative. Most bugs are our friends, whether we like to admit it or not.

As for Demi, I've read that she had plastic surgery, and certainly, one could surmise that the leech story was for Pop Fiction.

Gina, stay away from leeches and maggots for your rosacea. Try Dermal-K, which is a vitamin K cream proven to lessen the redness of spider veins, rosacea, and such - and also dark circles under the eyes. I swear by it! (You can do a search to find the best price... usually $25-30 for 4 oz is the best I've found.)

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Dave, OK — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:54:18 GMT

Did any of you folks ever listen to The Body Odd when it was a podcast? Most of you are totally missing the point. The point is to learn a few simple facts, often presented with a humorous component! Demi Moore? Please Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Leyner never intended to seriously devote much of this article at all to Demi. Furthermore, it was Mr. Leyner's very point that fried insects (just like farm anumals) have some level of consciousness. The question posed is this: why do we needlessly kill insects and sweep their corpses into the dust when we would never consider killing a cow just to let it rot. The point is not some moralistic conclusion that one should never eat any member of the kingdom animalia, but that we should have more respect for all forms of life than we do. This respect should be based on the nature of life, not on how cute the life form is. Does an insect have a mind? Yes! The question is: what kind? The other question is: why should we care who has a mind? Your mind is seldom, if ever, useful to me. Haow can I respect you based on your level of intelligence or the depth of your consciousness? To me, you are a blade of grass until I have met you.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

RS, NYC, NY — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:33:40 GMT

Demi Moore doesn't use leeches. It was a JOKE! She was kidding! Good lord, I can't believe how you gullible people pounce on everything.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Barb K, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:44:13 GMT

About 8 months ago, I had a "neck lift" and due to my lack of clotting, and high blood pressure, developed HUGE hematomas behind both ears. The Dr. was mortified, but I knew it would be ok, through my experience of my own healing, and years of Veterinary work.
Still, I am pretty sure, if he had used leeches, it would have been a lot less of a mess than trying to drain them every day for 3 weeks.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

sa ku — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:55:26 GMT

Demi is not a 'leech'.Bruce cheated on her;he's the leech if you ask me.She had every right to divorce him.
As for going for a younger man,I applaud her.She could have went for an older,rich guy,but instead,she'll have a healthy,young virile one for yrs to come. :)

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Suzanne, Austin, Texas — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:25:06 GMT

If Demi's photo from her 21st birthday were submitted to an age-enhancing program (like one used in showing time-progressed aging on people missing for a number of years), would she look like she does today, and would those of you claiming to look so young really look so young? I was dating men my son's age when he was 28 and I was 50...those guys thought I was about 32, they claimed...but I know I looked older than I did at 32. The lies we tell ourselves and others aren't always so obvious (hence the word "lie"), and, remember, she is a trained actress. Believing any silly thing an actor says just means you forgot how they earn their living, and what motivated the statement.

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Rick Blake — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:15:40 GMT

I have become obsessed with nematodes (honeybees)
and colony collapse. Without profit in mind,I designed a behive,,as the curent industry standard had not been looked at in 150 years
visit happybees.net

Demi Moore’s bizarre beauty secret is a bloodsucking marvel

Macy Widofsky, Manchester, CT — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:53:37 GMT

This is in response to Lorenzo Garcia's question, "What else can bugs do?"

I took a class at UConn last year called Insects, Food, and Culture, taught by Dr. Ana Legrand. It was all about how insects intersected with human activities and history, as well as basic entymology.

Insects can...

provide high quality protein sources for people

provide amazing colored dyes for fabrics and food which are natural and safe to use

provide shellac, which is used in fine furniture finishes

provide wax, which is used to safely coat candies, vegetables, fruit, et cetera. It makes edible things look attractively shiny, and is completely safe to eat

provide solutions to common pest problems by acting as predatory species upon common pests (for example; aphids, invasive plant species, mites, corn borers, et cetera)

provide pollination for over half of human food crops (not just honeybees! Butterflies, moths, various flies, wasps and many other species too)

provide 'clean-up duty' by disposing of dead and decaying matter quickly and efficiently

provide evidence in police investigations of death and/or murder, because of their 'clean-up duty'. Their life cycles are well understood and easily detected. Since the length of time of their various stages in development are specific, the presence of insects can indicate time of death for the deceased.

aerate and turn over soil, which introduces water and air into the soil, and makes it easier for plants to grow

provide beauty to the landscape, such as butterflies in the garden, or butterflies being released after a wedding (instead of throwing rice), or butterflies maturing and hatching in a elementary school classroom project

provide inspiration to people as religions symbols

provide possible medicines and vaccines for human illnesses

and last but not least, provide numerous employment opportunities for people around the world!