March anti-aging exclusive: 30% off all IPL photo Facial packages!
IPL treats pigmentation, sun & age spots and rosacea. Plus earn studio REWARD dollars with purchase! To learn more and see if this treatment is right for you, schedule your FREE consultation: info@couricenter.com or 692-6838. Promotion ends 3-32-18.
February: Buy 1 Get 1 50% off! Purchase any Bikini Hair Removal Package: Get any second laser package of equal or lesser value 50% off. Packages must be used together during same visit. Ends 2-28-18. Plus earn Studio Reward dollars with purchase!
Tired of constantly shaving and waxing unwanted facial and body hair?
Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem. Frequent hair removal techniques include shaving, depilatories, plucking, and waxing can be time-consuming, inconvenient and often painful. At best, these methods offer only temporary results – for some only a few hours.
Free yourself from the constant need to shave and wax unwanted facial and body hair and feel your best! Our state of the art laser technology gives you safe, effective, permanent hair reduction anywhere on your body including the face, legs, underarms and bikini areas. Treatments are fast, easy, and practically pain-free.
During laser hair removal, energy is used to target and destroy hair follicles responsible for hair growth. The follicle absorbs the energy and is destroyed, unable to produce hair again. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, laser hair removal is the 3rd most performed non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the US. Isn’t it time your life got a little smoother?
Benefits of our state of the art laser hair removal:
For more information on our latest promotions, please schedule your FREE 15-minute consultation with one of our providers here: info@couricenter.com or call 692-6838.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
The device emits powerful light energy that targets and heats hair follicles. After the treatment, the follicles are damaged and permanently unable to produce new hairs, or can produce only very thin, tiny hairs that are virtually invisible.
Am I a good candidate for this hair removal?
Our laser hair removal can be safely used on all skin types from very light skin to very dark skin. It is most effective on individuals with dark hair. Candidates with very light or gray hair are not ideal. However, we will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure based on a variety of factors during your consultation.
What areas can be treated?
Hair on most areas of the body can be treated including face, underarms, bikini areas, legs and arms. We do not treat eyebrows.
What results can I expect?
You can expect to see a gradual decrease in hair thickness and the amount of hair in the treated area. Since this treatment only targets hair in the active phase of growth, multiple treatments are needed for maximum reduction.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes just minutes for small areas and about 30 minutes for larger areas.
Can this technology get rid of all of my unwanted hair?
Hair follicles are continually cycling through three phases: anlagen or growth phase, catagen or transitional phase, and telogen or resting phase. Hair is most susceptible to this treatment while in the anagen phase. Because of this timing, it’s not possible for any laser treatment to achieve 100% hair removal, but it is possible to significantly reduce the number of growing hairs by as much as 85%. Multiple treatments can be administered for maximum results.
Is hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent. After treatment, the hair follicles within the anagen phase that were damaged are permanently unable to produce new hairs, or can produce only very thin, tiny hairs that are virtually invisible.
What will the treatment feel like?
Most people feel only a slight momentary “snap” like a rubber band at the treatment site during the procedure.
How many treatments will I need?
Since your hair grows in 3 stages, several treatments are needed to affect all of the unwanted hair. The number of treatments can vary between individuals, depending on the amount of hair, the area to be treated, skin color, hair color and hair coarseness. Typically 4 – 6 treatments are needed but this will depend on a number of factors including your type of hair. One of our providers can give you a more specific treatment plan during your consultation.
How far apart are treatment sessions?
It depends on which area is being treated. In general, face, underarms, arms, and bikini are about 4-6 weeks apart. Back and legs are about 8-10 weeks apart.
Can I shave in between sessions?
Yes. In fact, the area needs to be freshly shaved before your treatment session. You may shave the area the day before the treatment or the day of the treatment before coming in for your session. You should not wax or pluck the hairs between treatments.
How quickly will I recover?
You can resume regular daily activities immediately following treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Typically, most people experience a mild, sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor redness and/or swelling immediately following the treatment. This usually lasts 2-24 hours. Ask your provider to discuss other possible side effects and the necessary post-treatment care with you.
For more information on our latest promotions, please schedule your FREE 15-minute consultation with one of our providers here: info@couricenter.com or call 692-6838.
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Super Natural Every Day: Well-loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen by Heidi Swason.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 C cooked quinoa or barley mix, at room temperature
4 large eggs, beaten
1/2 t fine-grain sea salt
1/2 t season salt
1/3 C finely chopped fresh chives
1/2 C chopped cilantro
1 yellow or white onion finely chopped
1/3 C freshly grated Parmesan or Gruyere Cheese
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 C whole grain bread crumbs, more if needed
Water, if needed
1 T extra-virgin olive oil
Combine the quinoa, eggs, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the chives, cilantro, onion, cheese, and garlic. Add the bread crumbs, stir, and let sit for a few minutes so the crumbs can absorb some of the moisture. At this point, you should have a mixture you can easily form into 12 1-inch/2.5 cm thick patties. I err on the very moist side because it makes for a not-overly-dry-patty, but you can add more bread crumbs, a bit at a time, to firm up the mixture, if need be. Conversely, a bit more beaten egg or water can be used to moisten the mixture.
Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat, add 6 patties, allowing room between each, cover, and cook for 7-10 minutes until the bottoms are deeply browned. Turn up the heat if there is no browning after 10 minutes and continue to cook until the patties are browned. Carefully flip the patties with a spatula and cook the second sides for 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from skillet and cool on a wire rack while you cook the remaining patties. The mixture also keeps nicely in the refrigerator for a few days; you can cook patties to order, if preferred.
The year 2017 brought us exciting news for menopausal and perimenopausal hormone replacement therapy. We have all heard, over and over, the results of the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study from the early 2000s, which brought with it many negative statements about menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many of those results, found in older women on specific synthetic hormone therapy, were incorrectly extrapolated and applied across the board, to women of ALL ages, which resulted in many women unfairly frightened and inappropriately removed from their hormones! Since then, many studies have shown the positive impact of HRT on the quality of life and health benefits for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Most recently, in July of 2017, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has issued a Position Statement on Hormone Therapy affirming the effectiveness and safety of hormone replacement therapy.
Founded in 1989, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is North America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. Its multidisciplinary membership of 2,000 leaders in the field – including clinical and basic science experts from medicine, nursing, sociology, psychology, nutrition, anthropology, epidemiology, pharmacy, and education – allows NAMS to be uniquely qualified to provide information that is both accurate and unbiased, not for or against any point of view. The NAMS research and recommendations are highly respected and endorsed by numerous notable organizations.
Hot flashes and night sweats are very common symptoms of menopausal women. But they may also be seen in women in peri-menopause (time prior to menopause). These symptoms may impact the quality of life and will often bring them to our office seeking guidance and relief. Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (flashes, night sweats) affect a high percentage of women and may last for years. Using an evidence-based research approach, the NAMS issued guidelines for treatment in 2017.
Systemic hormone therapy, specifically estrogen therapy, is recommended as long as a person has no contraindications. The NAMS recommends hormone therapy for women, most favorably, starting HT prior to the age of 60 and /or within 10 years from the onset of menopause. For a woman with a uterus, it is necessary to also give progesterone to prevent any postmenopausal bleeding or other serious complications when using systemic estrogen hormone therapy. If a woman does not have a uterus, then it is acceptable to give estrogen therapy alone to provide relief, but progesterone can also be given if symptom relief is not obtained from estrogen alone.
At the Couri Center, we believe our harmonié pellet program provides optimum relief for menopausal and peri-menopausal women. We also discuss other bio-identical hormones (hormones most like your own natural hormones) for relief of hormone imbalance and menopausal symptoms. People often ask if there is a limit to the duration a person can use HRT—currently, there is no evidence to support routine discontinuation at a specific age or length of time, based on the most recent research and evidence.
Vaginal dryness, vaginal or vulvar irritation, painful intercourse and sometimes vulvar burning or pain with urination (now commonly referred to as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause), are also very prevalent symptoms of peri- and menopausal women. Dr. Jacobs, in our January/February newsletter, wrote an article about this syndrome and some of the current remedies to relieve symptoms. The NAMS Position Statement recommended low dose vaginal estrogen, preferably estradiol, as well as vaginal moisturizers and nonprescription lubricants. At the Couri Center, we also recommend the use of coconut oil daily and prior to intercourse, but first test on your arm (and your partner) prior to using in the genital area. Often, systemic hormone estrogen therapy will help to relieve vaginal dryness and other GSM symptoms. Optimal relief will likely be from the vaginal estrogen, preferably Estrace (estradiol) cream, Vagifem (estradiol) vaginal tablets, or compounded Estriol cream.
The recent Position Statement is a reaffirmation of the effectiveness and safety of hormone replacement therapy when helping people with vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) and for genitourinary symptoms (overactive bladder, bladder leakage, incontinence with laughing or sneezing).
If you are suffering with any of these symptoms, please contact your health care provider at the Couri Center and schedule an appointment for evaluation and to discuss treatment options. Together, let’s make you the best you can be and feel for a positive, healthy 2018.
To your health,
Terry Polanin, MSN, APN
Reference: Menopause 2017 Jul: 24:728
An increase in hormones during puberty and pregnancy often bring mood swings, weight changes, hair growth and increased appetite. Decreasing hormone levels throughout perimenopause and menopause often create fatigue, unexplained weight gain and difficulty losing weight for many women. Often these transitional periods and the symptoms related to them create dietary confusion.
Weight gain during menopausal years is very common and complex. Women have the potential to gain weight due to hormonal changes, food sensitivities and often times lack of energy consumption. When women begin gaining weight, the first reaction is usually to decrease calorie intake or increase calorie burn (exercise). The belief is if less calories are consumed or more calories are burned; more weight will be lost. Women become frustrated when they have restricted calorie take, eliminated food groups, along with adding excessive and sometime unsafe intensity and hours of exercise. Mathematically, calorie counting makes sense, however, humans are not math problems, we are individuals.
I often discourage my patients from counting calories. Because food companies, authors and lots of advertising rely heavily on calories, we have somehow confused and transformed the meaning of calories into something bad. Not only do people begin grouping or seeing foods as good or bad based on their calorie content, but also the amount of calories a food contains does not describe its ingredients, nutrient levels, glycemic value or volume.
Scientifically, a calorie is the energy value of food or the energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water through 1 °. Energy or calories are required to maintain a healthy metabolism. Food is energy, energy that we require. Just as weight is only one factor to health, calories are only one form of measurement in a diet. A diet measured by calories alone, especially if calories are restricted, is not guaranteed to be healthy.
Many women who struggle with losing weight, especially during menopause, blame their weight gain on a “slow metabolism”, while not realizing they have slowed their metabolism themselves.
When calories and nutrients are limited for a long period of time, the speed of one’s metabolism may be affected. Think of your metabolism as a fire; without proper kindling, the fire will go out. When a body is deprived of calories, the body may transition to a state of fasting. When a body is in a long term state of fast, no matter how much exercise is included, it will begin reserving fat for energy instead of maintaining a regular “burn.” More times than not when a person returns to eating a diet that provides proper nutrients and calories, weight loss returns. In order to maintain weight loss, our bodies must trust that we are going to provide them with the proper foods. You must eat to lose weight.
I have provided some tips to help ensure your metabolism remains healthy through all stages of life.
Leslie Rusch-Bayer, RD, LDN, CPT
Here at the Couri Center, we are excited to launch our new skincare line: NIA24®, which is based on over 25 years of research. NIA24® is packed full of Pro-Niacin! Vitamin B3 (Niacin) can have significant improvements to the skin. The main targets of this line are sun and age damage. Vitamin B3 has been proven to assist the upper layer of the skin’s ability to hold moisture. When the skin is properly hydrated, you’re less likely to experience dry, flaky patches and fine lines will be less prominent.
For those patients suffering from sun and age damage, NIA24® can be highly beneficial in assisting your skin needs: Vitamin B3 will:
In a study conducted with 140 patients, the results were very successful.
90% Experienced reduction in hyperpigmentation
82% Saw improvement in skin texture
81% Saw improvement in skin tone
80% Noticed increased skin smoothness
68% Noted reduction in their fine lines
53% Saw improvement in skin firmness
After using NIA24® for several weeks now, I have found two new favorite products: Intensive Retinol Repair and the Neck Sculpting Complex. The Intensive Retinol Repair increases cell turnover and collagen production. This is a very gentle formula and can be used on all skin types. Just be careful not to apply in the eye area or corners of the mouth. Everyone should be using a Retinol for anti-aging, preventative, and reparative benefits. The Neck Sculpting Complex lifts, tightens, and firms the neck area. This can be used from the décolleté all the way up to the chin and back to the ears. It’s important to not forget your neck and treat it with just as much care as your face.
If you are interested in NIA24® or have questions, please call or email for a skin consultation. I will be happy to help address all your skin concerns with NIA24®!
To Healthy Skin,
Leslie A. Gilstrap, Licensed Esthetician
One of the most frequent concerns that I hear from my patients is suspicion of a hormonal imbalance. It’s easy to have a love / hate relationship with our hormones; can’t live with ‘em – can’t live without them! Ask a woman in menopause what it’s like to have too little estrogen, or hear from a friend who has PCOS how too much testosterone can negatively affect her body.
Today, I am focusing all of my attention on estrogen. A short list of it’s duties include: building up endometrial tissue in the uterus, protecting our mood, brain and heart, and keeping our vaginal tissue moisturized and pH balanced. Estrogen is so important to the female body – but we need to keep it in check! Trust me, you can have too much of a good thing. Symptoms of estrogen dominance are: irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, water retention, fibrocystic / tender breasts, mood swings, hair loss, thyroid dysfunction, foggy thinking, fatigue, PMS – just to name a few.
It’s important to understand that our hormone levels are not static. When a woman’s menstrual cycle is normal, estrogen is the dominant hormone for the first two weeks leading up to ovulation. Estrogen then becomes balanced by a surge of progesterone during the last two weeks of the cycle. Unfortunately, this hormonal symphony can be disrupted if the ratio between estrogen and progesterone is out of tune. To understand if this hormonal imbalance is taking place, a simple blood or saliva test can be performed on a specific day of your cycle. Your provider will determine which method of hormonal testing is right for you.
Here are some practical ideas to keep your hormones in sync:
Hope Placher, MMS, PA-C, IFMCP