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 snore regularly. Should I be worried about sleep apnea?
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and frequ...

What are the best sunscreens?
The best sunscreens are those that provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. They should also have an SPF (sun protecti...

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 ...