Karyn is this what you were talking about in Japan?

Whole-body vibration still shaking things up
Posted: Nov 29th 2007 10:00AM by Jacki DonaldsonFiled under: Fitness
I stood on a whole-body vibration machine recently. Didn't like it. Couldn't wait to get off the darn thing, in fact. For those who like shaking about on a platform designed to enhance fitness and promote weight loss, though, maybe this vibrating thing is wise step in the direction of overall health. Or is it?There's no definite evidence that whole body vibration provides any fitness or weight-loss benefits, says Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Edward Laskowski, M.D. It may even be harmful for people with certain medical conditions, such as low back pain, or women who are pregnant.
Manufacturers of vibrating platforms claim that training sessions of only a few minutes twice a week can produce measurable effects. How can this be? How can merely standing still while your body shakes be effective? It can't, says Laskowski, who reports that we can't get the benefits of physical activity without doing any of the work. Passive exercise via vibration just isn't an effective means of increasing your endurance, flexibility, strength, or stability. Maybe, just maybe, it's possible to burn a few extra calories but if you're looking for any measurable weight loss or fitness gains, nothing works as well as good old-fashioned exercise.
Tags: body, exercise, fitness, Jacki Donaldson, JackiDonaldson, loss, platform, shaking, vibration, weight, whole
Read
Permalink
Email this
Linking Blogs
Comments [4]
Related Headlines
Biggest Losers receive medical status check (Yesterday - 1 Comment

Hi Everyone ;)

Hello,

Just got home from preschool. It is a beautiful day today! We played outside for a long time today. Like I said before, this time of year at preschool is crazy busy and messy! There is glitter everywhere, paint everywhere and people keep bringing in food! STOP IT! I'm going to weigh 500lbs. Rick is on his way home from Atlanta, he might be home in time to pick Jack up from the homework club. Yep, the homework club., Trust me, he didn't sign up voluntarily. I signed him up. He was not happy about it this morning but I know he'll be happy when his homework is all done this evening. Kate has dance tonight and that's it. Tomorrow, I'm off to Homewood to shop! Can't wait.

Hi!

Hello,

Can you believe I didn't write anything yesterday? Not sure how that happened. I had a good day at preschool. I love all my children in my class and they're excited about the holidays. We started working on the gifts for their parents and I took down all the fall decorations in my room. This month at school always goes so fast, we'll be out before we know it! That's about it. Came home and sort of did some things around the house, walked a couple of miles with Rick, took Kate to dance, had dinner and went to bed.

Today, I was planning on going over to Homewood to shop but I'm not sure I'll be doing that as I was a little overzealous on my ebay purchases and I bought some things at TJMAXX last night. Might have to hold off on Homewood til Friday. I'm looking for a salvaged fireplace mantle for our bedroom. Of course if I stay home today, I always have a million things to do here so its fine.

Have a great day!!
xoxo

Monday Morning

Hello, Hope everyone had a nice weekend. We had a weekend of all of our teams losing but oh well, life goes on, its just a game. All the kids made the bus this morning but not before Kate asking if she could go car pool. She asks that every morning and usually the answer is no. Jack was picking on Joe and Joe hauled off and whacked Jack which isn't smart b/c Jack is two of Joe. Anyway, I was happy to see everyone go to the bus stop.

I noticed this morning on aol a blog about most obese cities. Memphis, Detroit, and Birmingham are all on the list. I find that intersting b/c those 3 cities were on the list last week for being 3 of the most dangerous cities.

Well, today, I'm going to finish laundry and try to work on the upstairs. I've yet to hang the wreaths on Kate's window b/c like I said before, her room frightens me!

Have a great day.

Love this Product!

Okay, I know some of you have in past years not liked the Nad's hair removal but yesterday I bought the bottle of gel that has the wand in it for eyebrow shaping. It worked great! It really didn't hurt at all. I can't stand tweezers and I love the look of my brows after Alicia does them but I have to say for 9.99, I did a good job, it was easy to use and really accurate. I know Kate will be happy. Anyway, just wanted to let all my girlfriends know. :) Here is a picture of it and you can get it at wal mart.

Another Year of "War Damn Eagle" to endure

Hi. Okay, so Alabama lost again to Auburn. ugh! Seriously. Oh well. Jack and Joe are happy, obviously our lives won't change b/c of this but it just would have been fun if Bama would have won. Kate ended up going to a friend's lake/farm house to watch the game, I was a good mommy and drove to Chelsea last night to pick up the girls. All I can say is pay back will be fun. Some day Kate will remember me driving to get her so she can have a fun social life. I remember my dad picking me up at 8am on Sat morning so I could make ballet class and I remember him picking me up at midnight at Jennie's house only it was the wrong Jennie and in a world w/o cell phones I'm sure that made for very frustrated and tired parents.

Kate and Joe are still sleeping. We will go to church this evening, I'm kind of in the mood for the teen mass and we don't have sunday school today so we can do that.

I put the lights and the rest of the trimmings on the tree. Joe hung his ornaments last night and kate and jack's are sitting in a pile for them to hang today. Its beginning to look a lot like christmas around here!

ROLL TIDE!

It's iron bowl day here in Alabama. People are probably already gathering for the big game. You never know, Alabama could win today, how fun would that be. I'm just a little tired of Alabama losing. Anyway, we'll watch the game later, Jack has been invited to friends to watch the game at their house.

Hi.

Well, Hoover lost last night. We had fun at the game, it was packed and we saw lots of people we knew. My toes were frozen brrr.. Hoover had the lead and then it was tied and then Vestavia intercepted and scored. That was it. We left at the end of the 3rd quarter as it was so packed and we wanted to be able to get out of there. So, next week its Spain Park and Vestavia. I guess I'd like to see Spain Park win, that would be kind of fun but I think you're supposed to pull for the team that beat you but I really just can't do that.

Valerie, your neighbor, the pirate did a good job. lol. Also, the twirl girl was in full hairspray curls too bad Chris wasn't there to see it. haha.

Hi. I love this painting from ballard desgins. i want it for my family room on the wall where that borders the kitchen!

The Christmas Season is Here!

Hi. Merry Christmas. :) Well, we had a nice yummy Thanksgiving, it was a short visit to Athens this year but we wanted to get back for the Hoover game tonight. Its going to be chilly so we're going to dress warm. Kate is there, tailgating early. I think we'll pick dinner up and take it to the game so we can get there early and tailgate, get our tickets and pretty much just be there. Its going to be packed. I hope y'all had a nice holiday, now we're officially in the Christmas season. I can't believe it. Most of my Christmas cards are in the mail and I'm anxiously awaiting everyones cards and I hope pictures!

ps if anyone would like to order pottery christmas gifts, plates, mugs, etc, please let me know b/c i'll be putting an order in soon. :)

GO BUCS!

Hi. Here are a few pictures. Rick in the snow and Smokes in the unlit Christmas tree. I've kind of peetered out with decorating. I'm tired and my tummy hurts.

Turkey Eve

Hi. Well, Joe and I survived the get together last night. The kids were really good and all were gone by 10:45pm. It was so nice to sleep in this morning. Rick just got home a few min. ago. He has to return the truck to the rental agency then take Jack and himself to get haircuts. Its sort of gloomy today but thats okay. Not sure what I'm doing today. I guess, I'll try the lights again on the Tree and then we can put the ornaments on it. Kate wanted to run to the mall later so we'll probably do that. Anyway, have a good tureky eve. :)

okay, so i've taken all the recycling out, stamped almost all the christmas cards, even placed them in the mail box, did a load of laundry, did a load of dishes, called mom, called rick, text kate and told her to keep it down outside b/c the neighbors are home this weekend. it must be time for them to go home. i do hear kate saying bye to people, that is a good sign. yeah!

Hey,

Okay, right now I have Kate's 20 closest at the house. I remember being this age and how we were in and out of the house every two min. The alarm bell keeps dinging. At least I know where they are. I've put the Christmas tree up but I've put the lights on backwards twice. I'm trying to listen to the kids and put the lights on, you'd think that wouldn't be hard but it really is. Anyway, I'll finish tomorrow. Now, I wonder what time the parents are picking up, any time now would be nice, they've been here an hour. Seriously, they were just at school together 4 hours ago. lol

Tuesday

Hello,

Well today is the last day of school for Hoover kids. Joe is home today as he has been complaining of a queasy tummy for a couple of days. His good buddy was home throwing up yesterday so i kept Joe home today. I know they're not doing much at school today and the last thing his teacher needs is a puking kid. We can read today while he is home. I cleaned the kitchen big time last night. I mean I had a hot bucket of water and cleaning solution and cleaned the counters and cabinets and finally got to the baseboards. It looks really good. Also did the front hall baseboards and the front stairs. I hung the lighted garland on the mantel and put the stockings up. I still have to get the tree up and hang the wreaths on kate's windows. However, it frightens me on many levels to go in kate's room so I am not sure I'll get there. lol. Kate is having people over tonight so I will work on the basement today. Rick hasn't called since Sunday so I'm not sure whats going on with his schedule. As of now, I don't think he'll be bringing a bear home. It is going to be another warm day but I think its going to cool off for Thanksgiving. I looked at the forecast and it looks like its going to be a beautiful evening for the Hoover/Vestavia game. The iron bowl is this weekend and with Alabama's stupid loss last weekend the media is having a blast with it. Should be fun. Maybe the tide can pull it together and beat Auburn. :) Have a great day!

New Curtains

I love them! I think they look so pretty in the dining room. Yeah!

Hi. Well, the grocery store trip was very fun and it was great to see Joe! I had a group of 4 boys including Joe and we had 43.00 to spend. We did great! We spent all of it buy 1.00. I forgot my camera so there will be no pictures.

I went over to target and bought the curtains. My friend, Andrea graciously helped me figure them out. Seriously I'm so bad at engineering type things. now, when it comes to fluffing them and such, i can do it. they look good. I love them and I only had to spend 50.00.

I also went to my new neighbors southern living christmas openhouse this morning. I tell ya, I could get used to visiting with neighbors at noon and drinking bellini's. yum.

anyway, since i've visited my day away, i have to get busy, the kids will be home in a half an hour. and i wonder why i can't get anything done around here.lol

Monday Morning

Hi.

Well, I just got the kids out the door and off to school. I'm meeting Joe's class at Publix this morning. They are doing their annual Thanksgiving shopping trip for a charity. Joe said we are in charge of non foods, like napkins and such. I'll bring my camera. It'll be cute. Thats it. That is all I'm comitted to today. Now, with that said, I have a lot to do here at home. I did make some progress this weekend. Rick checked in last night. He is having tons of fun, ,loving all the snow, (yuck). I guess the bear season officially opens today so he said, they're going hunting today and tomorrow. He said something like they were going to leave tomorrow late morning but after being married to him for so long and knowing Jim, I think we'll see them more around Wed. evening. ;)

Have a good day.

okay. so i think i'm just going to go with this shade right here. i don't want all the balloons the same length but you get the idea. the two on the sides will be pulled up a little more than the one in the middle. :)

balloon shade

hello,

thought i'd just share this with you. i want to hang a balloon type roman shade in my dining room, sort of a coloniel look. i was poking around on line to see about having this made. i just don't think i want to make something like this. i get to hurried. anyway, i found my fabric and clicked on price. it was only $800.00 lol! Umm, okay, so I'm going to buy the making a balloon shade for dummies book. :)

Sunday

Hello,

Well, I started pulling Christmas out of the Christmas closet last night. I love how the house starts to take on an old fashioned feel once greenery is hung. I'm going to need to make a wal mart run and buy new lights and ribbon.

Joe spent the night up the street for a birthday party. He'll be home in about an hour. I was going to be super mom and get everyone up and showered and out the door to church but Kate isn't feeling well, Jack and Ralph are still snoring in my bed. Looks like we'll shoot for 5:00 mass. We've really done so good this year, the kids haven't missed a day of Sunday school yet.

Alabama lost yesterday in a totally embarrassing loss. Lousiana-Monroe beat Alabama. What in the world? This Saturday is the Iron bowl, it'll be interesting to see who comes a way with the W. You never know around here.

Have a great day!

Just checked the Hoover web site and caught the end of the radio broadcast. Looks like Hoover will be in the 3rd round of the play offs next week against Vestavia at Vestavia. Ewww, it's not smelling too good. I hope we can win.. Anyway, Go Bucs!

New for kitchen window

Hi. I just bought this balloon valence to go on the window by my kitchen sink. I am so ready for a change on that window and I think it will be really cute. I'm slowly going to change things but now is not really the time to purchase a bunch of expensive window treatments. I'll do a little at a time.

Friday!!

Hi. It is a chilly Friday morning here Hoover, AL! Major frost this morning. BRRRRR. It's all good though. Rick is officially on his bear hunt. He left at 0 dark 30 as he likes to call it. It must be comical to be a fly on the window of the truck. Anywhere Rick and Jim are together is comical. He was pretty jazzed about going and since I don't have babies anymore, I don't mind either. The kids and I were going to go to the Hoover game tonight, its the 2nd round of play offs. Well, we can't go b/c we had made plans with my friend JIll, Jim's wife to go to dinner. Jill and I always try to do something when the guys are gone. Anyway, its going to be cold tonight at the game but I'm sure it'll be fun. GO BUCS! Kick Booty~ Today, I'm hoping to get a walk in, maybe some yoga, I'm definitely firing pottery, which I love! I never get tired of that. Have a great Friday.

ps. Rick is not hunting grizzly bears but I liked this picture. Pray, he doesn't get one as we already have one in his office. You'd think he be happy with one bear!

Hi

Hello,

I have to hurry a little bit as I have a meeting at preschool at 8:15. I think my director is bringing breakfast so I'm not eating here so I can eat there. Anyway, today we are drawing our secret santa which is always fun. Also today is the last day for me to work until after thanksgiving, also fun. Kids are off to school, jack has his football party tonight, kate has to dance at a basketball game and then has dance at the studio. Rick is hurrying home from Dothan to be with jack at his party tonight and he is very excited to pack for his bear hunting trip up north. We need another bear in this house like we need holes in our heads. Anyway, have a fab day! got this picture from a blog about helena, thought you'd like to see what fall looks like here. it doesn't last long though.

Hello,

Well, I actually had a nice time working the bookfair at Jack and Joe's school. I love all the children's books and Joe's class shopped this afternoon so I got to help Joe pick out books. Jack had so nicely left a stack for me to purchase when he shopped with his class earlier in the day. One of the great things about working the book fair besides seeing fun people is getting half off the books! whoo hoo! Right now, I'm in the process of firing several pieces in the kiln and I'm working on a new lady bug pattern. Will let you know how it turns out. That's about it. It was a beautiful day here, warm, partly sunny and the trees are about as pretty as they get in Hoover. I'm getting excited to think about Christmas. My cards arrived today and I was looking in my christmas closet thinking how I was going to pull all that stuff out. I still think its a little early for wreaths on the windows. Gobble Gobble.

Wednesday

Hi.

Well, today is one of those days that I wish I was going to be home to work around here but I'm not. I was in a good mood last week when I committed to working the book fair at the boys' school. I also told Jack's teacher that i would help her with some copying she needs done. Why do I say yes?!! Oh well. It will be nice to see people at school. Tomorrow is my last day of preschool until after Thanksgiving. That is kind of nice. That's about it. Kind of boring around here. Have a great day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy Birthday Mom~ We hope you have a wonderful day and a yummy dinner tonight.

Neighbor Needs to Be Punched!

Okay, the last time I looked, it was still November, we just had Halloween two weeks ago and Thanksgiving is in two weeks. My neighbor, the one who bought the house in the hole next to Donna, already has Christmas wreaths on her windows and white lights on her rail on the porch. What in the world? Okay, okay, we can see you can decorate for Christmas but come on! I think I'm going to have just walk to her house and slap her! Plus it is like 75 degrees outside and she has a snowman on her door. Hello, have some patience.

Thank You!

Hi. Thank a veteran. Today is veteran's day and the kids are out of school. Joe and jack just got home from friend's houses, Joe already has the neighbor over to play. Kate will be home later. It is a beautiful day today. I'm hoping to get a good walk in and enjoy the sunshine. Tomorrow is back to school for me and the kids. Have a great day!

pictures of jack's deer

First Deer!

Jack called about an hour ago and reported that he shot his first deer! He was so excited, he said it isn't a big one but big enough. He and Rick were going to drop the deer off for donation and then go to breakfast to celebrate. I'll have pictures later. I think this maybe made up for the loss yesterday.


Not a good day for football in the Leventry house. Junior Panthers lost, Alabama lost, Auburn lost, Rock Island lost. :( At least Hoover won and Illinois beat Ohio State so that's good!

The Panthers had an awesome season!

Hi. Well, Jack played in the championship game today, he did great but the junior panthers just couldn't get r done. They had a fabulous season and a fun team. We told Jack that this was a great way to start his football career here in Hoover! The boys were sad but Coach Scott told them to save their tears for a time when they really need them. He wanted them to be happy for being in the championship! I think Jack is really mostly sad b/c the season is over. I'm a little bit happy b/c now we can actually have a nice evening at home for a couple of months at least 'til baseball starts. Here are some pictures. The score was Steelers 6 Panthers 0. We still have the team party to look forward to. Whoo hoo.

Just so you know

I tried posting the Rock Island Picture but it wouldn't upload.

Well, I just checked the highschool prep scores and Hoover ended up pulling a win out of last nights game. I went to bed thinking that they probably lost, I know, that is not good b/c there was a lot of time left to play a game. Anyway, they won 31 to 28. I think Florence really thought they were going to pull through with a win at home, what a coup that would have been, to beat Hoover in the first round play offs. The announcers said they had a huge crowd there and the Florence fans were going crazy. Several other really good Bama teams won, Daphne, Foley, Vestavia and Prattville. So football continues in Hoover, Al! Jack has his big championship game this morning. yeah! Should be lots of fun. He is really excited. Thankfully, he was asleep by 9. I have to pick Joe up at his sleep over bday party in an hour and a half, take him to tutoring which by the way, we're almost done with then we have to go to jack's game. After the game, Rick and Jack are scooting down to Prattville to go on the youth hunt. Hopefully, Jack will get a deer today. haven't talked to kate, I'm sure she is worn out from her day yesterday. She'll call later.

Have a great day. I'm posting the Rock Island football pictures again b/c Dad's team plays Joliet Catholic this evening! Go Rocks!

I'm turning off the computer and going to bed. the announcers just said that hoover is falling apart so that can't be good. they're down by 7 with 8min. to go. Next year will be better.

Hi. this is pretty cool, I'm writing as i am listening to the hoover game. you can listen to it via the hoover web site, pretty cool. Bucs are up right now. Hope they win.

Soooo, Joe has himself a little girlfriend. He got off the bus yesterday very proud that the little girl up the street said she'd be his girlfriend. He felt sad though b/c his friend, Sam likes her too but she likes Joe. Joe thought maybe he and sam could play a football game, playing for jeriah. I thought that was very Alabama like but rick and I tried to tell him that she likes him and even if sam won the game she still liked him. Oh well. Jack being the ladies man that he isn't has predicted that Joe and Jeriah's relationship will not last. lol. What in the world. today as i was sitting out on the steps waiting for the bus, I saw Joe bound off the bus steps with a big smile on his face. he said that jennifer likes him too but he likes jeriah even though he and jeriah broke up today, they're back together. Oh my goodness what drama!

Frumpy Friday

Hi. Not sure what my deal is lately but I'm just in a mood, sort of a funk I guess. I need to snap out of it! It is Friday and i usually love Fridays but it just feels more like a Tues. Kate is going to the hoover game today with a friend and her family. Hoover is playing in Florence in the first play off game. They should win tonight but you never know. Joe has a birthday party that I just rsvped to . I thought it was Sunday but it's tonight. He'll be excited. Jack is doing nothing b/c he has his big game tomorrow morning! Go Panthers. I am really in the mood to shop and buy lots of things but I can't. not yet. My budget isn't allowing it and I've done soooo good for a long time. I'm not going to blow it and ruin it. Soon, I'll get to shop and buy Christmas gifts and all kinds of fun things. In the mean time though, I had to buy something and so I ordered our Christmas cards. This year, I'm going plain Jane. :) Yep. Last year was all about the collage but this year, I'm going simple simple simple~ The picture I'm doing is such a nice picture that I didn't want anything to take away from it. I emailed the Riverchase Galleria this morning b/c I was so mad at all those studpid kiosks! last night, Kate and I were shopping, the mall wasn't crowded and we were trying to walk from one end of the mall to the other. The people working the booths in the middle of the mall kept trying to get us to come over and look at their things, do you have a min. can i show you something? ugh! seriously! it was really obnoxious. I would rather go to the summit for brookwood to shop. I don't think they should be allowed to bother us, if we wanted something from their booth, we'd walk over w/o them asking us. you don't see people from the buckle, or jcrew standing out side wanting to show us things. annoying! anyway, i'm off to run outside, maybe that will help my mood. :) have a great day.

Hi. Well, we had our first frost this morning. It didn't kill everything but it is definitely very crisp outside. brrries! Kids got up and on the bus w/o a problem, for that I'm thankful. I was going to go running this morning but its a little chilly so I think I'll wait 'til the afternoon. I've turned into such a fair weather exerciser. lol. To think I used to get up at 4:45 am every morning when Kate was a baby and I'd run 4 miles whether it was hot or cold. What was I thinking? Anyway, Jack has practice tonight, the last one before the big championship game on Sat. Kate has dance and Joe will tag along and hopefully not be forgotten.

It's so dark outside! It's only 5:25pm and it looks like its 10pm. :( I don't like it! Can you tell I'm a summer girl?

i added the picture on top after i saw that the one on the bottom wasn't so great of jayne and abbie. :)

Hi. It's cold here and I don't like it! brrrrr..... I just turned the heat on for the first time. The nice thing about living here is that turning the heat on the morning is about all we need for the whole day. Love that.

Took the kids to school as Kate missed the bus. Have to get busy working around the house today. We don't have anything tonight, which is wonderful. I did however recieve and email regarding baseball evaluations for Jack's league. Hmm, that seems a littel early. It never ends here.

okay so i'm really missing summer. i was driving the other day and i passed our pool, aww, i miss it. i miss the casual days of summer, just taking our cooler to the pool, parking our little selves on our fav. lawn chairs, letting the kids go and swim. kate meeting up with friends there and driving around the neighborhood in the golf cart, ordering pizza and having it delivered. aww the good ole days. :) lol

chilly in hoover

Tomorrow is going to be chilly here. brrr. Today was actually chilly and I even thought for a second that I sort of missed the 105 degree temps. I know, I'm crazy but I'd rather be hot than cold. I hate being cold! At least when its hot you can go to the pool and drink yummy chilled drinks. when its cold, you can't talk b/c teeth chatter and your too busy jumping up and down trying to stay warm. Anyway, I've located jackets b/c it'll be chilly in the morning and I'd look like a terrible mother if I didn't send my children to school with a jacket. I know, I know, its really more about me than them. They could really care less, Jack and Joe would wear shorts all year long if I let them. kate of course is trying to convince her dad that she needs a new north face. the one we bought two years ago, the one that was going to last til highschool has been lovingly donated to the neighbor up the street, the north face she got last year, the one that was going to last 'til college is somehow just not right for this year. hmmm. how many years til she goes to college?

Mom and Karyn you're very much behind on posting!! Jayne, you have an out b/c of training.

I'll take the wrinkles, thank you!

Big in Japan: Drinking pig placenta keeps Japanese women beautiful
by Matthew Firestone Nov 5th 2007 @ 9:30AM
Ever wonder why it is that Japanese women are so beautiful? Ever wonder how Japanese women manage to look so young well into their golden years?
What if I told you that there was a simple and cheap remedy for turning back the clock and washing away the visible signs of aging?
What if I told you that this remedy costs less than US$10 a day, and can be started at any time no matter old you happen to be?
Although the secret is slowly spreading to the Western World, for years Japanese women have been drinking blended pig placenta in an effort to extend their youth.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Some Japanese women, on occasion, drink blended pig placenta in a bottle.
Seriously. I am not making this up.
Now, I guess at this point in the post you are probably thinking one of the following:
a) Gross.b) Does it work?c) What does it taste like?d) Where can I buy some?e) Some or all of the above.
Well, keep reading and allow me to explain the powers of pig placenta!
For starters, the placenta is a temporary organ that develops from the same sperm and egg cells that form the fetus. In placental mammals including humans, the placenta receives nutrients, oxygen, antibodies, and hormones from the mother's blood, passes out waste and forms a protective barrier around the fetus.
Now, here is where things get interesting.
Placentophagy is the act of mammals eating the placenta of their young after childbirth. Scientifically speaking, the placenta contains high levels of prostaglandin, which helps shrink the uterus, and small amounts of oxytocin, which eases birth stress and causes the mammary cells to contract and eject milk.
Although the placenta is revered in many traditional cultures, and has been an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, very few modern people eat it after the newborn's birth. Leading obstetricians and gynecologists are also quick to point out that animals ingest the placenta for nutritional reasons, though there is little nutritional benefit for well-fed humans.
However, pig placenta, blended and bottled for your consumption, is sold all across Japan. A 30 milliliter bottle costs approximately US$8.50 (1000 yen), and is available at any corner store or pharmacy here in Tokyo.
Now, I know that it's easy to be skeptical about health and beauty products, especially since the next big thing is always being touted on late night infomercials across North America.
Also, we all know that the Japanese have incredibly healthy diets that are based on rice and fish, compared with the North America propensity for fatty foods.
And of course, I don't want to discount their genetic predisposition, especially considering that the Japanese tend to age very well, and generally look younger than their Western counterparts.
However, although anecdotal evidence isn't exactly the most reliable of methods, my Japanese friends swear that a bottle a day gives them energy, and has noticeably improved their appearance.
Here's the catch.
I can't stomach it. I've now tried on three separate occasions to drink the stuff, and I gag every time the bottle reaches my mouth. As you'd imagine, blended pig placenta tastes pretty much like blended pig placenta, and no amount of added sugar is going to make a difference.
If you're still interested in trying the stuff, I'm fairly certain that import restrictions in the States prevent the international distribution of this product, though perhaps I'm wrong. With that said, please chime in if you've seen this stuff in a health food store near you.
Filed under: Learning, Food and Drink, Stories, Asia, Japan, Big in Japan
Permalink
Email this
6 Comments



Recent Posts
Animated Mt. Rushmore: a singing quartet (11/06/2007)
Blood clots and flying (11/06/2007)
Photo of the Day (11/6/07) (11/06/2007)
Charge your electronics with a small, portable windmill (11/06/2007)
Give me a head with hair shoulder length or longer, or just the hair: The Hair Museum (11/06/2007)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tuesday

Hello,

Just got in from a 2 mile run. I actually got up at 4:15am to get ready to run but it was a little breezy out there and dark and chilly so I unlaced my new kickers and crawled back in bed. It only takes me 20 min. to run 2 miles so I just went after the bus. Wow, I could have been doing that all these years. I still have 10 min. to waste before I have to shower for preschool. I have to say though, it is tough running the hills in my neighborhood! I can do yoga like nobody's business, I can run on my elliptical but man, these hills kick my booty! hopefully, they'll make it disappear.

Rick took the kids car pool this morning which made kate very happy. kate has dance team practice and dancing tonight. jack has football practice, they need to get ready for the big game on Sunday or is it Sat. i can't remember.

Have a great day.:)

Hi.

I'm making progess today. I have done laundry, dishes and cleaned my office. I've also gone out and run/ walked the neighborhood. I was not inspired by Paula the alien who won the nyc marathon yesterday, I just felt like going out and getting some fresh air and burning some calories and energy in the mean time. Anyway, I'm off to organize Joe's room. The current set up isn't working so I'm going to change it. Jack is doing okay, he needs to go and take a nice nap. :)bye

This woman had a baby nine months ago and she won the nyc marathon yesterday. we cannont like her at all! thats all i'm going to say about that.

It is not a good thing when you wake up on Monday morning with one child sick (jack), one child acting her age (13) and one child that refuses to put his sweatshirt in his backpack!lol. I have a headache already. Lord help me.

Hi. We made it to church this morning and in the foyer, the little Christmas trees were up and it we got to pick an angel and a star. The kids just love this and it is nice to buy for someone who really needs something. We picked a little girl who would like a new outfit and an older man who asked for new sheets. I wish we could have picked ten more, but I've learned that two is good for us.

I just have a little bone to pick here with people who get annoyed at people who arrive a little late to mass. I just don't get it. I mean, we are all there to be quiet in our hearts, have a nice moment in prayer, learn something new, be aware of our fellow parishioners and be kind to them. So, when the lady in front of me gave an annoyed look at this sweet family that came in and asked if they could sit down in the pew by her, I just wanted to punch her in the face! Seriously, she doesn't own the pew and God is just happy that the family made it there, the family just happened to be one of my little two's ( russell) but still, even if I didn't know them, I'd still want to punch that not so sweet in her heart lady for being rude!They were out in the foyer picking an angel and a star off the trees and even if they weren't She should have been like, yes, sit down! I'm so happy you're here to worship with us. Ugh! annoying. No wonder Catholics get a bad wrap. Just move your booty down the pew dammit. :)

So, Rick went back to pick up the boys from sunday school. kate went to church with us earlier and she went to sunday school and then she is staying for church again with her friend, maggie and then she is going to maggie's house until we pick her up to go to jack's big play off game. i still have to get busy and make some signs for the game. i really need to locate my iron and clean this house but i don't want to clean!

congratulations goes out to Metz's football team!

Way to go Rock Island! Way to stomp on the knights!!

Love Falling Back!

Hi. I love when we change the clocks back an hour. So great! I've been up since 6. We have to be at church by 8:30 and seriously, that is early. Usually, I feel like I still have morning breath and my eyes are still puffy from sleeping. That is why I try to get up at the crack of dawn to get ready, that way, I won't look like I just rolled out of bed. We've done really well so far this fall getting to church. Thankfully, The kids have a lot of friends that go to Prince of Peace and it makes it easier to get them all to Sunday School.

Have a good morning.

super saturday

Hello, well, its almost 9pm and I'm ready to get my jammies on and crawl into bed with my new book and my new body and soul magazine. I feel like I've been up forever. we had a good day, Jack had fun at the Auburn game, the tigers won easily. Alabama almost beat LSU, key word being almost. Oh well. Bogus Tigers, Poor John Parker. He had a great game and so did the Tide defense. There's always next year.

Tomorrow is church in the a.m. and then we have to get ready for the Panthers first play off game! Football never ends here. lol. Hopefully, Jack's team will be ready to go! Whoo hoo. Go Panthers.

Good Night. :)
xoxoxox

I know this is crazy but I seemed to have missed placed my iron. I can't find it anywhere! I want to make a slip cover for a chair in my kitchen and I have several pieces of fabric I need to iron and I can't find my iron. I seriously have no idea where it is. this is not a good thing. Hopefully, I'll find it soon.

Rick is home from his hunting trip. He got a buck this morning so he is very happy. This is deer # 2. Don't say that Rick Leventry isn't doing his part in keeping the deer population down.

Joe is at the roller skating party, Rick just got home and said that Bama is winning! whoo hoo. This could be big if they beat LSU! Roll Tide.

Saturday

Hi! I have about two min. to write. Joe is at a friends house, I took him there about 10am, I've been up since 7 painting and firing pottery. So fun! Jack left for the Auburn game at 8 and Kate called at 9 and asked if she could spend the night again at her friend, Alex J.'s. I said no! Seriously, you'd think she didn't like us. lol. I'm leaving in a min. to get Joe, we have to buy 3 birthday gifts, he has two parties today and one gift is for his friend, Cam and we owe him one big time beings his bday was in May. I know, I know, I'm so bad. I'm not usually like that. Anyway, Alabama plays LSU later on today, should be a fun game! Hoover won last night so next week is the first game of the play offs! GO BUCS, Roll Tide, War Eagle, Go Rock Island! That should cover everyone.:)

Go Rocks!

Alright, I am a little superstitious so I have to post the same picture of the rock island football team. I hope they win!

trans fats

Hi. I was just poking around the internet and came across this blog that had the 88 foods you should never ever eat! I didn't copy the whole thing but this list of restaurants pretty much sums it up. The number indicates how many times they showed up on the list. Jack in the Box should be condemened! McDonalds showed up for their fries, all sizes and chicken selects basket. Dairy Queen showed up for fries and the cookie dough blizzard, all sizes.
Jack in the Box: 24
Burger King: 16
White Castle: 16
A&W: 10
Dairy Queen: 8
McDonald's: 5
Arby's: 3
KFC: 2
Domino's: 1
Sonic: 1
In-N-Out Burger: 0
Subway: 0
Taco Bell: 0
Wendy's: 0
Pizza Hut: 0
Popeyes: 0
Little Caesars: 0
Papa John's: 0

I know, this is so sad. Is it really worth it?

There's only one strategy that has been shown in experimental research to extend life span: calorie restriction. In rodents, fish, fruit flies, worms and monkeys -- eating less food makes you live longer. Of course the key to food reduction is making sure what you do eat is loaded with nutrients. Maintaining a healthy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBIE!!

Today is Abbie's birthday! Whoo hoo. Can't believe you're 26! Wow. It seems like yesterday that we saw you in the hospital and then mom cried b/c you couldn't come home with her b/c of the jaundice and then I cried b/c i was worried ( imagine that?) and then Karyn cried b/c we were crying. Haha. I remember me and karyn and jayne all slept in the same room that night and we had a little prayer service so you would be okay. Well, you finally came home and I was very excited to get you out of the bassinet and I was holding you and turned around to go out the bedroom door and whacked your head on the door frame. I felt terrible. :( Thank goodness you were okay! Happy Birthday. Have a fun day!

Quote of the Month

Hi. I haven't posted a quote in a long time but I was reading the paper today and of course there is still a lot of print in the B'ham news about Hoover's issues and such. I thought this quote sort of summed it up.

"Someone once said the toughest coaching job in America is managing the New York Yankees, and the second toughest is coaching football at the University of Alabama. Could the third - toughest job be coaching football at Hoover High?"

Ray Melick
Birmingham News

Halloween Night

Hello,

We had a fun Halloween. the little cul de sac get together was really fun and the kids had a great time running around the subdivision. I didn't see kate until 9:30 she said she had a great time and she and maddie's costumes were a hit! Maybe her friends will send pictures so I can post a couple. Anyway, Jack didn't really dress up at all. He just doesn't like costumes, he never has. Joe was a fun mohawk clown. It was just a pretty night with lots of treats.