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...

Can video game usage lead to ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder that is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While excessive video game use has been assoc...

Could gluten be triggering my asthma?
There is some evidence to suggest that gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, may be a trigger for asthma symptoms in some individuals. However, the relationship between gluten and asthma ...

How can I reduce my blood pressure without taking medication?
There are several lifestyle changes that can help to reduce high blood pressure without the use of medication:Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of high blo...

My PSA is elevated. What should I do next?
An elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. If your PSA...

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...