The Scope

A healing umbilical cord can look alarming to new parents: oozing, bleeding, even a leftover stump. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains the anatomy behind it, why the yellowish discharge is normal, and how umbilical granulomas are treated. Learn how to care for your newborn's umbilical cord at home, and when emergency care is needed.

Sleep trackers can be motivating, but for some people, the data becomes a source of stress. Kelly Glazer Baron, PhD, MPH, DBSM , a sleep specialist at University of Utah Health's Sleep Wake Center , coined the term orthosomnia for an unhealthy preoccupation with perfect sleep. She explains how to tell whether your tracker is helping and when to put it away.

Not all burns are treated the same. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down the differences between chemical, electrical, and thermal burns in kids, including the three degrees of thermal burns and how home care differs from an emergency room visit. Learn why first-degree burns can be managed at home while third-degree burns should always be treated as a medical emergency.

At-home sperm tests are everywhere, from drugstore shelves to online ads. But how reliable are they? John Smith, DO , explains what these tests actually measure and why they are generally 95–98% accurate. He also highlights what they cannot catch that only a clinical evaluation can reveal.

Playgrounds equal fun, but also falls, scrapes, and the occasional broken bone. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , covers common playground injuries, from simple cuts to forearm fractures and head bumps, and explains which ones need a Band-Aid versus a trip to urgent care or the pediatric emergency room.

Sudden confusion in an older adult who is hospitalized is not just "part of aging." It is often delirium, a preventable medical emergency. Roxanne Weiss, MD , is a hospitalist, geriatrician, and medical director of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at University of Utah Health. She explains the difference between delirium and dementia, why families are often the first to notice it, and what s...

Medications control most acid reflux, but for some patients, the volume of reflux keeps growing. Eric Volckmann, MD , a bariatric surgeon, explains how minimally invasive laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (GERD) works and what recovery actually looks like. He also describes how a patient's weight can affect which procedure makes the most sense.

Yes, delusional disorder is a real, diagnosable condition. Distinct from schizophrenia, delusional disorder occurs when a person holds one or more fixed false beliefs while otherwise functioning normally. Tyler Durns, MD , a forensic psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, explains the causes and different types of the disorder, along with ways that families can stay connected without re...

Although the terms are used interchangeably online, Botox and fillers are different substances with different uses that work in completely different ways. Sarah Akkina, MD , a facial plastic surgeon, explains how Botox relaxes muscles while filler adds volume, debunks the myth that fillers can "lift," and walks through safety questions to ask before getting any injectable.

A severe hand injury does not always mean permanent disability or amputation. Advances in reconstructive microsurgery now allow surgeons to restore remarkable levels of movement, strength, and sensation. Hand surgeon Laura Wong, MD, PhD , explains what modern hand reconstruction can accomplish, how treatment decisions are tailored to each patient’s goals and lifestyle, why time is critical after a...

Your first prenatal visit does more than confirm the pregnancy, and it is where your care gets personalized. Abigail Rizk, CNM/MSN , Clinical Practice Director at BirthCare HealthCare and Division Chief of the Division of Midwifery at University of Utah Health, walks through what to expect: the bedside ultrasound, the panel of prenatal labs, genetic testing options, and how to come prepared with y...

Migraine treatment is not a single pill; it is a toolbox. Karly Pippitt, MD , a family physician and headache specialist at the University of Utah Health headache clinic , walks through rescue medications like triptans and CGRP antagonists, prevention options ranging from blood pressure drugs to Botox, and why setting realistic expectations matters more than chasing a cure.

Thinking about weight loss surgery but unsure where to start, especially with GLP-1 medications everywhere? Ellen H. Morrow, MD, MS, FACS , a surgeon with the bariatric surgery program at University of Utah Health , breaks down who qualifies, how safe it is, what life looks like afterward, and how to weigh surgery against GLP-1s when deciding which path fits your goals.

Managing diabetes every day is exhausting, and over time, that weight can lead to something called diabetes burnout. Michelle Litchman, PhD , medical director of the Intensive Diabetes Education and Support Program at University of Utah Health , explains how burnout differs from everyday stress, the warning signs that it is setting in, and four concrete approaches to get back on track. Learn what...

Many people associate measles with its distinctive rash, but the illness actually begins days earlier with symptoms that look much like a severe cold. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains how to recognize the warning signs of measles, why the virus spreads so easily, and the serious complications it can cause in children and pregnant women. Learn what makes measles dangerous, how vaccination...

A migraine is not just a bad headache, and you do not need to be curled up in a dark room for it to count. Karly Pippitt, MD , a family physician and headache specialist at the University of Utah Health headache clinic , explains how migraines are diagnosed, what triggers them, what aura is, and when to seek treatment.

Measles is on every parent's radar right now, but the disease is just one of many childhood rashes that can look alarming. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , details the most common viral rashes in kids—from measles and chickenpox to scarlet fever, roseola, and hand, foot, and mouth disease—and explains when to call your child's pediatrician.

A glaucoma diagnosis can feel alarming, especially knowing that optic nerve damage cannot be reversed. Rachel Simpson, MD , a glaucoma specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at University of Utah, explains what glaucoma does to your vision over time, why the treatment approach has shifted toward laser as a first-line option over eye drops, and how a new category of minimally invasive procedure...

Blurry vision, glare around headlights, and duller colors are classic signs of cataracts. Austin Nakatsuka, MD , a glaucoma and cataract specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, explains what cataracts are, how UV exposure accelerates them, and how to choose between the lens options available to you, from standard insurance-covered lenses to multifocal, extended depth...

Being called a glaucoma suspect can feel like a half-diagnosis—enough to worry, but not enough to know what to do. Rachel Simpson, MD , ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, explains what the label actually means, how doctors weigh risk factors like optic nerve appearance, eye pressure, and family history to determine low versus high risk, a...

Rehabilitation after a severe brain injury is not just about survival—it is about creating the best chance for meaningful recovery. Derrick Allred, MD , from Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital , describes how a disorders of consciousness program differs from typical inpatient rehabilitation and why patients who cannot yet participate in three hours of therapy a day still benefit from special...

When should you see a dermatologist? What does “pay attention to your skin” really mean? And which warning signs should not wait? Luke Johnson, MD , a dermatologist at University of Utah Health, answers common questions about dermatology. Learn simple, effective acne treatments, how moisturizers support your skin barrier, and why sun protection is the best daily habit for long-term skin health.

Sudden vision changes can be a brain problem, not just an eye problem—and luckily, there are specialists trained for the job. Judith Warner, MD , a neuro-ophthalmologist, explains how the eyes and brain work together, the red-flag symptoms you should never ignore (like a brief “black curtain” over one eye), and the most common reasons people get referred (unexplained vision loss and double vision)...

Cavities do not appear overnight—and waiting for pain is often the biggest mistake people make. James Bekker, DDS , breaks down how cavities form, why frequent sugar exposure is more damaging than occasional treats, and how everyday habits quietly increase risk. Learn how brushing, flossing, diet choices, and saliva chemistry all play a role in tooth decay, what early warning signs to take serious...

Choosing a baby formula does not come with a one-size-fits-all answer. Babies tolerate formulas differently—some thrive on standard milk-based options while others need sensitive, reflux-friendly, or specialized formulations. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD , gives guidelines on how to spot what works best for your baby and why your pediatrician’s guidance can help you choose with confidence.