The Scope

So you’ve been treated for an ovarian cyst in the past, but do you know which kind? Your women’s health specialist wants to know. The difference could have a significant impact on your health and treatment. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones , an obstetrician-gynecologist, explains all the types of ovarian cysts, including which ones are good and normal for all ovulating women, and which ones to be concerned...

With an increasing number of natural toothpaste options hitting the market, a common question arises: are fluoride-free toothpastes as effective as their fluoride-containing counterparts? David Okano, MD , reveals the truth behind fluoride-free toothpastes and offers insights into the most effective strategies to prevent tooth decay.

Not every groin injury is actually a pulled muscle. While true groin strains can happen, athletes with recurring groin pain may be dealing with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a hip condition caused by abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint. Tom Miller, MD , talks to orthopedic surgeon Travis Maak, MD , about how to recognize the warning signs, why certain sports may inc...

This week’s Scope listener question is about acute arch pain when walking long distances. The pain usually goes away by the next day, but the pain stops long walks and makes hikes short. Orthopedic specialist Dr. Emily Harold shares some simple exercises you can do at home to help keep your arches feeling fine for long distances, and advice for how to decide when it is time to see your doctor.

A hip or knee replacement can last 15 years on average, 30 years with newer technology. But sometimes a replacement might not hold that long when implants become loose or develop inflections. This is when you’ll need a revision. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic specialist Dr. Chris Pelt about when a replacement needs to be revised, what happens during the complex revision surgery and recovery af...

August is the month with the highest reported horse-related injuries in Utah, according to emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen . Additionally, injuries from falling off a horse are one of the top-five causes for serious extended hospital stays. Dr. Madsen explains what makes horse-related injuries specifically dangerous and how you can protect yourself from experiencing one.

Every year, 13,000 children in the US are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, while more than 1 million kids and adults deal with it every day in our nation. There is no prevention for type 1 diabetes, so if your child is diagnosed with the disease, it’s important to understand it is not your fault. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes as well as treatment...

According to Natalie Sanders, MD , one-third of people 65 years or older will sustain an injury from falling. A fall can lead to additional falls, loss of independence, and even loss of life. A fall is a crisis and, like a heart attack, a sign of something wrong. A faint and fall clinic can be vital to these patients. Dr. Sanders explains how a specialized clinic not only can treat the injuries fr...

The placenta seems like the perfect organ to take care of a fetus. Letting in everything good and keeping out everything bad. But the placenta isn’t perfect. OBGYN Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores how the womb works and how infections like the Zika virus can sneak past its defenses to affect the growing fetus.

The unexpected death of a child is tragic under any circumstance, but it becomes even more so when the reason why is unknown. Martin Tristani-Firouzi, MD , a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Utah, leads the Sudden Death in the Young Center which is searching the DNA of the deceased for an explanation of why they died unexpectedly. He explains what they are searching for and how results...

Rather than seek professional help for opioid abuse some people addicted to those drugs turn to the Web for solutions for easing their withdrawals. One product being misused to treat opioid withdrawals is the diarrhea-relief medicine Imodium. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen warns about the life-threatening dangers of using this over-the-counter anti-diarrheic for detox.

Shoulder instability can disrupt your daily life, limit your activities, and increase the risk of recurring injuries, especially for athletes. Tom Miller, MD , talks with orthopedic surgeon Patrick Greis, MD , about the causes of shoulder instability, treatment options, and how to prevent recurring dislocations. Learn when surgery may be necessary, how physical therapy plays a role, and why person...

Learning about the diagnosis of an illness can be overwhelming. For older patients who may have sensory loss or potential mental complications, understanding and remembering the doctor’s orders can be even more difficult. Geriatrician Mark Supiano, MD , shares tips and strategies patients and doctors can use to make sure they completely understand their diagnosis and effectively communicate everyt...

Cancer is the result of back luck, bad genes, unhealthy behavior, or a combination of all three. While you can't control your luck or your genes, you can control your behavior. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones discusses how behavior can contribute to cancer. She also talks about small lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk for cancer.

Ear infections are common in childhood—but when they keep coming back, they can affect sleep, hearing, and quality of life. While some factors are beyond your control, pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares practical tips to help reduce your child's risk of frequent ear infections. From bottle feeding technique to vaccine protection, learn what works, what to watch for, and when it is time to see...

Barbara Crouch, director of the Utah Poison Control Center, tells us about the types of calls they’ve been receiving as a result of the algae bloom at Utah Lake and what they’re telling callers to do. She talks about the symptoms and dangers of exposure to the algae’s toxic byproduct cyanobacteria, whether it was at Utah Lake before it was closed or as a result of algae blooms detected in other wa...

Spinal scoliosis is a degenerative spinal disease that can cause extreme pain or weakness in the legs while walking. In some extreme cases it can even lead to a curvature in the spine that causes further complications. For many patients, physical therapy can help, but for others a surgery may be needed to bring relief. The surgery includes installing titanium hardware to assist the spine in healin...

Rabies is a very serious virus. Once a person is infected, there is not much a doctor can do to treat it. If a dog, cat, bat, or other mammal you might suspect has rabies has bitten you, get to the doctor. The first dose of the vaccine should be administered within the first 24 hours after exposure. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains what types of animals may have the virus and what...

Need to get back on birth control but don’t have time for a clinic visit? There’s an app for that. Finding time to get to the doctor can be difficult, especially for young women, women who work full time and women who live in rural areas. Luckily in the digital age, we can buy anything online, including birth control . Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explains everything you need to know about buying your...

Tendon injuries like tendonitis and tennis elbow may seem like a regular part of working out, but you should take steps to avoid them. Once you have a tendon injury, it can take months, even years, to improve. It is always better to prevent them in the first place. Emily Harold, MD , is a sports medicine specialist at University of Utah Health Care’s orthopedic clinic. She shares some simple steps...

Mood swings and confused emotions are common in growing teenagers. Anger is a normal emotion, but how your teen handles it is what matters. When a teen becomes really angry, there is often another emotion driving the anger. Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses five steps you, as a parent, can discuss with your teenager that will help them manage their temper.

You get bit by a non-venomous garter snake in your garden. It might be scary, but you know there isn’t venom in your veins. Should you go to the ER? Dr. Troy Madsen explains why a dog bite is actually more dangerous than one from a non-poisonous snake, but why you might want to go to the emergency room if you are behind on your tetanus booster.

If you're a scientist, systematic reviews - a survey of published results to answer a specific research question - may not be as easy to carry out as you think. Melissa Rethlefsen and Mellanye Lackey from the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Systematic Reviews Core explain common pitfalls and ways to avoid them. T...

There are some people that say fluoride is bad for you, but is it? In the past 50 years, many studies have shown that fluoride in drinking water is beneficial and that a small amount in the water helps children have healthy teeth. Dr. David Okano stops by to share what fluoride is and how it can affect us.

Have a cough that won’t seem to go away? Has it lasted longer than eight weeks? You should go to your doctor. Any cough lasting more than eight weeks is considered chronic and is not likely to go away on its own, and the cause of the cough might surprise you. Tom Miller, MD , shares the most common, and not-so-common, causes of a chronic cough and how doctors treat them.