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...

How is atopic dermatitis different from eczema?
Atopic dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema.Eczema is a general term that refers to a group of condition...

I have asthma. Should I have an asthma action plan?
It's important for those with asthma to have an asthma action plan.An asthma action plan is a written document that outlines specific steps for managing asthma symptoms and preventing asthma attac...

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 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 medications can help control my glucose levels with diabetes type 2?
There are several different types of medications that can be used to help control glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, including:Metformin: This is a medication that helps lower blood sugar ...