Heather Dawson

Family Practitioner

4500 Eldorado Parkway STE 1000 Suite 1000 MCKINNEY TX, 75070 Show map

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About

Heather Dawson is an Advanced Practice Registered Family Nurse Practitioner practicing in MCKINNEY, TX. She specializes in general medicine, wellness, and aesthetic care. Heather believes in treating patients with care and compassion. She focuses on health promotion through lifestyle coaching, patient education, disease prevention and compassionate care. Conventional medicine and alternative approaches are combined to meet the unique needs of each patient. Heather prides herself on establishing a therapeutic relationship with each patient to provide the most individualized plan of care possible. She has been working in the medical field since 2001 and has experience working in acute care, surgery, endoscopy, emergency medicine, cosmetic surgery, neurology, and general family practice.

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Heather Dawson

Heather Dawson's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can diabetes be managed without insulin?
Diabetes Type 1 requires insulin because the pancreas cannot make insulin. Diabetes Type 2 is a condition that develops over time due to a deficiency in insulin secretion and action. When diagnosed in the pre-diabetic state, individuals can treat their condition with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Once an individual with Diabetes Type 2 needs medication to control their blood sugar, they must continue their medication. However, individuals with Diabetes Type 2 on medication should make lifestyle changes including diet and exercise under the direction of their provider. Once lifestyle changes have occurred, some people with Diabetes Type 2 may be able to reduce their medications. Diabetes is a serious disease and any changes should be made under the direction of your primary care provider. READ MORE
Whats the difference between primary care doctor/internist and family doctor?
The most important difference is an internal medicine physician specializes in patients with complex medical conditions. If a patient has multiple health conditions, they should seek an internal medicine physician. Healthy people can choose a general practice or family practice provider. Also, internal medicine physicians see adult patients, not pediatrics. I advocate for all childern 12 and under or with those with health conditions have a pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner as their primary care provider, although family practice providers can provide care for children and adults. A PCP is your primary care provider, that manages your health care. READ MORE
What are the main triggers of frequent diarrhea?
Medications, supplements, medical conditions, and food intolerances can cause diarrhea. A common culprit is dairy, in which case taking a digestive enzyme with lactase or preferably avoiding dairy could reduce your symptoms. However, you should see your primary care provider for an evaluation. READ MORE
How often should my husband get his blood sugar levels checked?
His primary care provider should have recommended a frequency of blood glucose checks at the time of his diagnosis. The answer depends on his type of diabetes, severity and medication prescribed for his diabetes. I''m guessing your husband is not on insulin since he would have been given detailed patient education if this were the case. Newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics are typically given a plan that recommends blood glucose monitoring or the PCP is planning on checking your husband's HA1C at regular intervals. HA1C is a blood test that gives us an average blood glucose level for the past three months. Without knowing the severity of your husband's diabetes or the medication he is supposed to take for it, makes it hard to give you an answer. I would contact your PCP and ask. READ MORE
When should my child get their pap smear done?
Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21. READ MORE
Can steroids help in treating asthma?
You should be evaluated by your physician. We prescribe according to the severity and frequency of your symptoms. If your symptoms are not well controlled, you will need to step up from your current therapy and control your triggers. If you were previously only on a rescue inhaler, it may be time to incorporate inhaled corticosteroids. Please see your physician for a proper evaluation. READ MORE
What is the best diet recommended for IBD?
The Crohns and colitis foundation publish a nutritional publication. I encourage you to read this information and listen to your father's GI physician. Individuals will also have unique triggers and these should be determined and avoided. During a flare-up, your father should avoid high fiber and anything difficult to digest. Integrative Therapeutics makes a physician's elemental diet powder. This product is formulated for GI dysfunction and can be used to supplement when needed. READ MORE
How do I know if my child has pink eye or allergies?
Pink eye is an infection, that typically begins in one eye and purulent (thick) drainage is present. Allergic conjunctivitis is present in both eyes and typically presents with a watery drainage. Allergic conjunctivitis may have transient thick drainage, especially in the morning, but once cleaned, the drainage will be clear and watery. READ MORE