The Scope

Midwives play an important role in the birthing experience, should a pregnant woman choose to have a midwife. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks with certified nurse midwife Celeste Thomas about the training and knowledge needed to become a midwife. Learn how a midwife can help you during pregnancy.

Menopause commonly comes with symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and headaches. Women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks with Dr. Lisa Taylor-Swanson , an acupuncturist, about acupuncture and herbal medicines, and how the two can help women with menopause. Learn about the options available for alternative and complementary medicines for women experiencing menopause.

Staples, stitches, and even super glue are all options for treating large cuts. But how do emergency physicians decide what to use to get wounds back together? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about how he makes his decisions for what suture tool to use.

A choking child can be very scary for a parent. In children, choking on a rubber balloon is the leading cause of death for non-food objects. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says parents should avoid giving kids foods that can be a choking hazard, such as gum, hard candy, or popcorn. Learn what other things can cause kids to choke, and what parents can do to prevent choking.

The position of physician assistant turns 50 this week. PAs have become a common member of healthcare teams across the nation, and you’ve likely been treated by one. But where did the position come from? And what role will PAs play as healthcare evolves? Physician assistant Jennifer Coombs talks about the history and future role of physician assistants.

Somehow, you got sprayed with pepper spray. It’s in your eye, it stings, and you’re probably feeling really uncomfortable. But is getting pepper strayed a reason to go to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says, “probably not.” Hear what you can do at home, and when a trip to the ER might be needed for pepper spray.

Health is more than just your physical well-being. Health is more than how many steps you have walked or how many calories you have eaten for the day. The Center of Excellence in Women's Health at University of Utah Health defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being." Women's health expert Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , talks about the seven domains of women's health a...

For those who are experiencing a panic attack, a trip to the emergency room might feel necessary. And while ER doctors can give medication to help calm you down, most panic attacks are probably not something you absolutely need to go to the ER for. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the reasons for when a trip to the ER is a must in the case of panic attacks.

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in women 15 to 30 years of age. Though lumps in the thyroid are common, only 5 to 10 percent of lumps are cancer. Women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the risk factors for thyroid cancer—the majority of which women can't change—but also discusses why thyroid cancer is one of the most curable kinds of cancers.

You know the sun can damage your skin, but what about your eyes? Ophthalmologist Jeff Pettey, MD , breaks down the risks of sun exposure to your vision, from painful short-term conditions to long-term consequences like cataracts, eye growths, and even blindness. Whether you are skiing, driving, or just out walking the dog, your eyes are taking in more UV light than you think. Learn how to pro...

Is your child struggling in school? Wondering if they may have a learning disability? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains that there is a difference between a learning barrier and a legitimate learning disability. Learn how to identify one of the many types of learning disabilities and how you and your child’s school can work to make accommodations to help them succeed.

If you're having trouble sleeping and ran out of sleeping pills, is it okay to 'borrow' a pill or two from a friend? Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explains why it is never ideal to 'borrow' any sort of medication from other people, regardless of the situation.

Infection from a common virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in U.S. newborns. Even though the virus is far more prevalent than Zika, it remains relatively unheard of. ENT specialist Dr. Albert Park explains what can happen when infants are exposed to CMV while in the womb and steps that pregnant women can take to avoid infection. Park is carrying out a na...

If you are present during an overdose, do you know what to do? According to emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen , the most important thing you should do is call 911 and seek emergency help. Learn about the myths about overdose treatment and the potential complications that can come if you attempt to take care of the problem yourself.

Theresa Dvorak , registered dietitian at University of Utah Health, talks about the best and worst things you can eat. What often causes people to fail at their diet? How do you know if you are eating healthy?

What factors are important to consider when choosing a mattress? Sleep expert Dr. Milton Chua says comfort is different for each person, and things like spine posture, muscle tone, and body weight should all be considered. Learn what other factors to consider when you're in the mattress store, and find out where the expression "sleep tight" comes from.

If you find your heart suddenly racing, is that cause for concern? Whether to worry or not depends on other symptoms and how long the racing lasts. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about some potentially serious conditions you should be mindful of, and how ER doctors might treat them.

Periods are part of the health burden of being a woman. And while heavy periods are common for women most of the time, other times it could be a sign of a more serious health concern. Women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about why unusual heavy periods could be a sign of something as serious as blood cancer. Find out when you should seek medical attention if you're having heavy periods.

We don't like getting sick, and we especially don't like our children getting sick, so we give them supplements and other immune boosters in hopes of warding off any illness that might come their way. But do these immune boosters actually work? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner examines three common ways to boost immunity and separates fact from fiction.

Headaches can often stop you from going about your day because of the pain they can cause. But as painful as they can be, women's health specialist Kirtly Jones, MD , says headaches are common—if they occur less than twice a week. Learn what might be triggering your headaches and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Tamara Dangerfield , a physical specialist at University of Utah Health who specializes in treating pain, talks about the latest methods for treating pain. What is the one thing she wants all physical therapy patients to know? Tamara has the answers to these questions and more.

You’re helping friends move some heavy furniture and suddenly feel a pop in your abdomen. Maybe you have a small protrusion and think it could be a hernia. It may look scary, but is it a reason to rush to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about what exactly a hernia is, how some people live with them for years, and when it’s serious enough to seek immediate help.

High blood pressure can be a reason for concern, but is it worth an expensive trip to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about when a trip to the ER for high blood pressure is needed, and how you can relax to reduce your blood pressure.

Many indicators of drug and alcohol use are the same as typical teen behavior, or depression and anxiety. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner reviews some important signs to look for that could signal drug or alcohol abuse in teenagers, and gives some suggestions for how to handle the situation if your child is using.

For ages, women have found natural ways for coping with monthly menstrual cramps. A hot water bottle is a classic natural remedy. Same with a hot bath. Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones suggests a number of common natural treatments for period pains, along with some other, perhaps lesser known remedies.