6708 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 309.692.6838 www.CouriCenter.com

All of us can be a hero. All of us need to be heroes now more than ever. According to the

American Red Cross, its blood supply has dropped to dangerously low levels. The Red

Cross must collect more than 17,000 pints of blood every day to meet national demands.

Unfortunately, it received 50,000 fewer blood donations in June. Blood donations are down

more than 10% across the country. The deficit leaves about half the readily available blood

products on hand today than at this time in 2011. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S.

needs a blood transfusion. The Red Cross is calling on all eligible donors to donate blood or

platelets as soon as possible. The focus of this newsletter article is to raise awareness of this

dire need and challenge our patients, families, friends, and coworkers to be the ultimate heroes and donate blood.

“A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give

back as much as possible and help peo-ple. A hero to me is someone who saves

people and who really deeply cares.” Debi Mazar

The Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters across more than 30 states over

the past 3 months. “This has been an especially busy year for the Red Cross, as we’ve given help

and hope to people affected by deadly tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other storms,”

said Shaun Gilmore, President, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “But there’s another, more

personal, kind of disaster that can happen to any of us at any time if we need blood and it’s not available.” I want readers to imagine

themselves or a family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc.) facing a major medical

crisis and knowing that the only chance for survival would require a blood transfusion. Now

imagine, that solution

not being available. I

think we all too often

take for granted that

blood will be available if

we need it. Sadly, this

may not be so.

As a

gynecologic surgeon, I have witnessed first-hand the importance of having a well-equipped blood bank available to patients in need. I have

seen lives saved by blood transfusions. Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer for the

American Red Cross, said, “There is always the chance that a physician could postpone an

elective surgery if the needed blood products aren’t readily available. In a worst case

scenario, a physician may have to forego performing a more serious procedure for a

patient because of a shortage of blood. We need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn't

get to that point."

The Red Cross provides lifesaving blood to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Accident victims, as well as

cancer patients, patients with sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive life-

saving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are

the only source. I always appreciated the selflessness of blood donors but now that means

more to me than ever before. Continued next page...

A note from Dr. Michele Couri

August 2012

6708 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 309.692.6838 www.CouriCenter.com

A note from Dr. Michele Couri continued...

The June Cooking Class can now be viewed in full

on our website or Facebook page!

Reservations are now being taken for our

August 21 Vegetarian Cuisine Cooking Class. Susan Waltrip MS, RD, LDN will be our guest speaker.

Class size is limited, please call 692-6838

by 8/15 to reserve your spot.

Heirloom Tomato SaladHeirloom Tomato SaladHeirloom Tomato Salad The key to enjoying delicious native tomatoes is never to refrigerate them as doing so makes their flesh mealy. There are a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes. Reds, yellows, oranges, stripes, ringed plums...it’s a veritable symphony of tomatoes. SERVES 6. 5 cups heirloom tomatoes of choice 2 small cucumbers 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 1/4 red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons EVOO Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Chop tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado into bite-size pieces and combine in serving dish. In separate bowl, combine onion, basil, vinegar, oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over tomatoes and serve. Note: Combine green and purple varieties of basil for an especially beautiful presentation.

This recipe and recipes like it can be found in Clean Food by Terry Walter. This book is available in the Couri Center Retail Store.

In December, 2011, I was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, a rare blood disorder in the

family of disorders called Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs). Polycythemia Vera is a

disorder in which the bone marrow makes too many cells (red blood cells, white blood cells

and platelets). “You give but little when you give up your

possessions. It is when you give of your-self that you truly give.”

Kahlil Gibran Part of the treatment involves therapeutic

“blood-letting” or phlebotomy which, here in the Peoria area, is done locally at the Red Cross.

Unfortunately, those of us with MPNs cannot be blood donors. At the other end of the spectrum

of MPNs is Myelofibrosis, a disorder in which the bone marrow cannot make the vital blood cells that are needed to survive. Instead of having

blood removed as part of the treatment, this form of MPNs commonly is associated with the

need for blood and platelet transfusions. Any of the MPNs can progress into Myelofibrosis, the

much more serious and life-threatening form. I have made it part of my mission now to help

raise awareness of MPNs, but also to raise awareness for the dire need to help people

continue to be able to receive the life-saving gift of blood and blood products. One never

knows when life will change and bring with it changes in health. By donating blood, you can

make such an amazing difference in the life of another – someone you may know or a total

stranger. To learn more about becoming a blood or platelet donor, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. P.S. A great big

THANK YOU goes out to all of you who

came and donated blood at the Couri

Center Blood Drive on June 30th. We are

truly grateful!!

Is it that “time of the month” again? Understanding PMS…

PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is a group of

symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms

typically occur 1-2 weeks before your period starts. The

symptoms usually go away once you begin your period. PMS

symptoms vary from one woman to another and often from

month to month. For some, the symptoms are minor, but for

others they may be so severe, it is often considered PMDD or

Premenstrual Dysphoris Disorder. PMDD is more severe than

PMS and usually includes symptoms of depression,

irritability, and tension prior to your period.

Hormonal changes tend to cause PMS symptoms.

Typical symptoms of PMS may be: acne, tender breasts,

feeling tired, trouble sleeping, bloating/constipation/diarrhea,

headache or backache, food cravings, joint or muscle pain,

trouble concentrating, tension/irritability/mood swings/crying

spells, anxiety or depression. PMDD is defined as having five

or more of the above symptoms. If you feel you have any of

these symptoms, it is advised that you keep a monthly

calendar diary of your symptoms beginning with the first day

of your period, starting as day 1. This dairy will help our

Advanced Practice Nurses develop an efficient plan for relief.

If you are having symptoms of depression, severe irritability/

tension or mood swings, please contact us or your primary

care provider immediately for an appointment so that we can

help you as soon as possible.

How can I treat PMS? Some treatment options for

PMS include lifestyle changes, good nutrition, daily exercise,

stress management techniques, medications, and

complementary therapies such as herbal/nutrition

supplements.

Eat healthy plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables,

legumes, and whole grains.

Avoid the “carbs” made with white sugar and white flour

such as sweets, desserts, white pasta/rice, and processed

snack foods out of a bag or box.

Avoid or use in moderation salty foods (or adding table

salt at the table), caffeine, regular soda pop (1 can = 14

tsp of sugar) and alcohol, especially when having PMS

symptoms.

Eat lower fat foods. Limit your animal products such as

ground beef and steak. Enjoy more vegetarian meals.

Avoid fried foods.

Cook with olive or canola oils; avoid saturated or

trans- fats found in shortening, margarines, or oleos.

Add ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil (1-2 TB/day) and fish

oil to your diet, at least 3 times per week.

Exercise 30 minutes a day most days of the week.

Combine moderate and higher intensity work-outs with

strength training activities at least 2 days per week. If you

need an individualized plan, please call for an

appointment with our personal trainer.

Get enough sleep. Try to sleep 8 hours per night.

Don’t smoke. Ask us if you need assistance in quitting. It

is worth the effort.

Try to maintain a normal or near-normal weight; studies

have shown that those who reduced their body weight and

ate more of a vegetarian-type eating plan had less PMS

symptoms.

Consider our TLC program designed to provide a

holistic approach to reducing your risks for chronic

disease and helping you to lose weight.

Medications that may help PMS are ibuprofen or

naproxen (such as Aleve), aspirin, and other prescription

anti-inflammatory medications, which lower the hormone

prostaglandin and may reduce menstrual cramps. It is a good

idea to start taking this type of medication about a week prior

to your period for full effectiveness. Check with your health

care provider for exact details on dosing. In women with

more severe symptoms, often hormone therapy or medica-

tions, such as the birth control pill, will stop ovulation. At

times medications such as anti-depressants or “SSRIs” may

be prescribed for the mood symptoms.

Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Talk to your

friends, exercise, write in a journal, laugh, and sometimes

light therapy might be helpful. Yoga, meditation, massage, or

relaxation therapies are also suggested.

Complementary therapies or nutrition supplements

that may be helpful are: Vitamin B6 (50-100mg/day),

Magnesium (200-400 mg/day), Calcium 1000-1200 per day

with only 600mg in supplement form), Vitamin E (400/day),

black cohosh, Chasteberry, and Evening Primrose Oil (one

per day).

The Couri Center also offers a combination herbal

supplement with some of the above ingredients which may be

more effective. PreMens is available in our Couri Center

retail store.

With proper

diagnosis and

treatment, most

women with PMS or

PMDD find that their

symptoms go away

or are relieved

considerably. Contact

your health care

provider for further

evaluation.

Terry Polanin, MS,

APN

“Restoring Health to Women’s Healthcare.”

“Restoring Health to Women’s Healthcare.”

Meet our staff: Dr. Michele Couri M.D., FACOG Doctor of Gynecology and Integrative Medicine

Dr. Melissa Young, MD Doctor of Integrative Medicine

Susan F. Lang MS, APN, CNM, LCCE Advance Practice Nurse

Terry Polanin MS, APN, FNP-BC Nurse Practitioner

Leslie Rusch-Bayer BS, CPT Certified Personal Trainer

Proven to CHANGE your life

in 15 weeks...

TLC™ is a disease reduction and prevention program that is

used to reduce or eliminate the effects of cardiometabolic

diseases, adrenal fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, bone

deficiencies, and/or weight problems.

We all are healers at some level. We have the potential to heal

our self and heal others as well. Many are not even aware of the

healing potential that exists within oneself. To be a healer it is useful to

know what is Healing and Health. Healing is the process of restoring

Health. Health is not absence of disease, but balanced and integrated

well-being at the levels of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, social,

professional and financial aspects of our life.

In the field of mind-body medicine, mind plays an influential

role in health and well-being. Moreover, Ayurveda, the ancient

healing system of India, says dis-ease is caused by the mistake of

intellect. Ayurveda also tells us pain and suffering is caused by our

inability to process situations as they occur in the present moment.

When our life situations are not processed, they become toxic, affect-

ing our mind and body. Mind plays an important role in balance and

stability of all areas of life, including physical well-being

How do you awaken the inner healer? Meditation is a valuable

practice used to awaken our inner healer. When we can go beyond our

body/mind and find our essence, our being, our spirit, we can tap into

the healing potential at the source. By letting go of our mental turmoil,

we can conserve the energy spent through our mental activity for heal-

ing our body. By conserving our mental and emotional energies we can

direct our energy towards professional and financial well-being.

Through regular practice of Meditation, we can allow the body to have

deep rest, synchronize with the rhythms of nature and re-awaken the

inner intelligence of the body which knows exactly what our body

needs.

How can you heal others? Healing others does not need to be

a mystical task. With our loving

intentions, we can heal others, through our

simple actions. We can heal others by

listening wholeheartedly, through

appreciation, affection, acceptance,

encouragement, support, guidance,

unconditional love, compassion. Simple

actions that we can do, can go a long way

for someone who is in need.

Peace, Venkatesh

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“Life is not supposed to be fair. Know that there is no single way that

life is ‘supposed’ to be. Demanding that life meet our expectations is a

sure fire recipe for a miserable existence. Life is a game with no rules.

Life just happens to us regardless of our best intentions. Our only path

to happiness lies in being open to receiving what life throws at us…”

-Jonathan L Huie

6708 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 309.692.6838 www.CouriCenter.com

The Hidden Hazards of FragranceThe Hidden Hazards of Fragrance The Environmental working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ “Not So Sexy: Hidden Chemicals in Perfume and Cologne” and the Women’s Voices for the Earth’s “What’s that Smell? How the Pine Forest in Your Cleaning Product May be Hazardous to Your Health” are two reports that bring to light the harmful effects of chemicals not listed on the ingredients list of beauty products and cleaning products. Fragrances are found in everything from beauty products to laundry detergent, but most people do not know that many scents are a complex cocktail of synthetic chemicals, often petrochemical (petroleum-based chemicals). Additionally, many people are unaware that manufacturers of consumer products, like laundry detergent and air fresheners, are not required to disclose ingredients. Similar synthetic fragrances are used in beauty products and manufacturers are not required to list the chemicals used in fragrances. Some of these undisclosed ingredients are chemicals with hazardous properties and the propensity to accumulate in human tissue. Product tests initiated by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the Environmental Working Group found that perfumes and colognes contained secret chemicals, multiple sensitizers, potential hormone disruptors and chemicals not assessed for safety by the FDA. The details for this report are as follows: Secret chemicals: laboratory tests revealed 38 secret chemicals in 17 name-brand products with an average of 14 secret chemicals per product. Multiple Sensitizers: The products contained an average of 10 chemicals that are known to be sensitizers and can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma, wheezing, headaches, and contact dermatitis. Multiple Hormone Disruptors: A total of 12 different hormone-disrupting chemicals were found in tested products, with an av-erage of 4 in each product. In each product, six of these chemi-cals mimic the hormone estrogen, and the seventh is associated with thyroid effects.

Widespread Use of Chemicals that Have Not Been Assessed for Safety: A review of government records showed that the U.S. Food Administration (FDA) has not assessed the majority of fragrance ingredients in personal products for safety. Tips for Cleaner Living: Decrease exposure Read labels. Avoid any product that lists “fragrance” or

“parfum” on the label such as perfumes, beauty products (lotions, facial cleansers, shaving cream, soaps, deodorant, shampoo, hair spray etc.) and cosmetics, detergents, laundry soap, dryer sheets, cleaning products, air fresheners, and deodorizers.

Choose fragrance-free products. Beware of labels that say “unscented” as it may mean that the manufacturer added another fragrance as a masking agent.

Choose products made with natural and organic ingredients like botanicals (plant-based) and pure essential oils (extracted through a cold-press process, not with solvents). Choose beeswax candles made with 100% essential oils.

Certified organic products do not contain synthetic fragrances.

Visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php to look up your current beauty products to assess their safety and find safer choices.

Decrease Toxic Burden: Most people would benefit from a medically supervised detoxification program. A cleanse can last 7-28 days depending on individual needs using specific products to support detoxification. I recommend both OrthoMolecular Core Restore (7 days) and Metagenics Clear Change (10 day and 28 day) programs which we carry in our office.

Write to Congress is support of better legislation. Two bills have been introduced into Congress that address the issues related to chemicals in products. The Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010 would require companies to demonstrate that chemicals are safe instead of requiring the EPA to prove that they are not-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-California. The safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 would give the FDA authority over personal care products, phase out potentially harmful ingredients, and create a standard of safety that seeks to protect even the most susceptible populations, including children-sponsored by U.S. Rep Jan Schakowsky, D-Illinois, Rep. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin.

Melissa Young, MD References: Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database