Kourtni Atkins-Luster, DNP, FNP-C

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Normal blood pressure ranges from a systolic of 90-130 and a diastolic 55-80.  Know your numbers have your blood pressure checked frequently. Exercise, drink 6-8oz glasses of water daily, and follow the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertensi...

I have high cholesterol. When should I consider starting a statin?
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors when deciding whether or not to prescribe a statin to lower your cholestero...

I have long COVID. Should I be concerned about getting another COVID vaccine?
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to the persistence of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and muscle pain, among others, afte...

What are treatments for my child’s asthma?
The treatment of childhood asthma is similar to that of adult asthma, but there are some important considerations.The main goal of treatment is to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations and improve t...

What tests can determine if my pelvic pain is due to endometriosis or something else?
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. The most common tests include:Pelvic exam: During a pelvic e...

Why are so many children taking ADHD medications?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 5-10% of children and adolescents. The symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, impulsi...