The Scope

Is a pulled hamstring—also called a strained hamstring—something you can treat on your own, or should you see a doctor? Athletic trainer Travis Nolan shares how to determine when you should seek help, why it is essential to do the proper stretching and physical therapy, and how long it takes for hamstring strains to heal.

As the holidays approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people find themselves trying to navigate how to celebrate with family safely—if they feel safe to meet up at all. Some family members may have different ideas about what it means to be safe during these times. Dr. Benjamin Chan shares his strategy of how to be assertive about your health concerns with your family during the holidays.

Getting a prescription is not the end of your care—it is just the beginning. Too often, patients do not fill prescriptions, do not return when symptoms persist, or stop treatment without telling their doctor. Without follow-up, providers cannot adjust care or offer alternatives that may help. Kirtly Jones, MD , explains why follow-up is crucial for your health and what steps you can take if your t...

Just because you're social distancing, doesn't mean you can't celebrate Halloween this year. There are a lot of fun Halloween activities you and your family can enjoy—even during a global health pandemic. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner has some dos and don'ts on how to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19 .

Like most things, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. But there is a fine line between a couple of drinks to blow off steam and a potential alcohol abuse problem. How can you tell if your alcohol consumption is a problem? Dr. Troy Madsen shares the research-backed method that physicians use to quickly and accurately assess if a patient is experiencing an alcohol misuse disorder. Learn about th...

Men make up one percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States. When it comes to breast cancer, the signs, symptoms, and treatments of the condition are the same for men as they are for women. So should men be getting tested for breast cancer as well? Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores breast cancer in men and what can be done to make sure it is detected and treated early. 

MacArthur Fellows, recipients of the highly-regarded “genius grants”, are chosen for their extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits. So, what makes someone a “genius”? In a conversation with 2020 fellow and U of U Health evolutionary geneticist Nels Elde, PhD, he explains his scientific research and how it unleashes his creativity.

Hearing loss is the second most common birth defect in newborns—1 in 500 is born without the ability to hear. All 50 states in the United States mandates Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, which detects hearing loss in all newborns born in hospitals. Dr. John Carey talks about when and how the screening occurs.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many men realize and is often linked to a mix of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Urologist John Smith, MD , explains what causes ED, how doctors evaluate it, and the full range of treatment options—from lifestyle changes and medications to devices and counseling. Learn about the signs to watch for, what to expect at your first appointment,...

Pacifiers can be a powerful soothing tool in infancy. But when comfort stretches into the toddler and preschool years, it can quietly create new problems. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD , walks parents through when pacifier use stops helping, the age milestones that matter most, and realistic strategies to wean without turning bedtime into a battle. Learn how to help your child transition off the pa...

As we age, staying active is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. The right exercises after 50 can make a significant impact. From boosting heart health and brain function to improving balance and flexibility, a balanced routine of cardio, strength training, and mindfulness exercises is key to feeling your best. Whether you are a seasoned fitness enthusiast or new to exer...

Doctors once assumed that women didn't have to worry about heart attacks until menopause, but a new study contradicts that. New findings reveal an increase in women suffering heart attacks—more alarmingly, an increase in young women. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones discusses the findings and why women should care about their heart health.

Keeping your child on the bottle for too long can lead to dental and nutritional risks associated with prolonged bottle use. But weaning a toddler off the bottle is easier talked about than accomplished. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , acknowledges how difficult this transition can be for both toddlers and parents. Dr. Gellner shares effective strategies and age-appropriate guidelines for a smoot...

Slow flow? History of prostate problems? Erectile dysfunction? A visit to the urologist is not the most fun way to spend an afternoon. But for men experiencing certain symptoms, a check-up could be life-saving. Urologist John Smith, MD , explores three urological symptoms and conditions that need to be seen by a specialist sooner rather than later.

For young athletes, injuries happen—from sprained joints in sports like soccer or track, to dislocated shoulders on the football field. Orthopedic specialist Julia Rawlings, MD , talks about three of the most common injuries she sees in young athletes and why some of these injuries should be seen by a doctor sooner rather than later.

Your child's school has asked you to decide between in-person or online classes. What are the important considerations? Pediatric infectious disease expert and epidemiologist Dr. Adam Hersh talks about the factors you should be thinking about when making your decision between in-person or online classes for your child during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seeing your hair turn shades of gray can be shooking, especially if you're not yet at the age when gray hair would normally start appearing. Why and how does hair turn gray, and why do some people "turn gray" earlier than others? Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the science and medical research behind the old wives' tale that acute or chronic stress can turn you gray.

Allergen avoidance and medications are the first line of treatment against your allergy symptoms. But for some patients, these options just aren’t enough. Allergy specialist Dr. Gretchen Oakley talks about the advanced treatment options available to help provide relief to patients with severe allergies.

Nearly half of Americans report feeling lonely, and the consequences extend far beyond emotional pain. Loneliness is tied to inflammation, weakened immunity, chronic disease, and even shortened lifespan. Kirtly Jones, MD , explores how loneliness impacts multiple domains of health and what can be done to ease it. Learn about the science behind loneliness and discover strategies to strengthen conne...

A single swollen finger that has not been injured can be surprisingly tricky to diagnose. Women's health specialist Kirtly Jones, MD , walks through how clinicians think through persistent, unexplained finger swelling. Learn what persistent finger swelling can mean and how to decide on the next best step for care.

For men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), there are various treatment options—from lifestyle changes, medication, to surgery. Men may be overwhelmed by the amount of options available and fearful of potential side effects. Urologist Dr. Stephen Summers explains what treatments are available and which options may work best for you.

Knee injuries are extremely common for young athletes in any sport. Whether it comes from a hard hit or a bad pivot, many knee injuries can be serious and may need immediate treatment. Sports medicine physician Dr. Julia Rawlings explains what symptoms you need to be on the lookout for to make sure your athlete can get back in the game.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies—you can only manage the symptoms. The best allergy management is to avoid the allergen entirely, but that can sometimes be impossible. Allergy expert Dr. Gretchen Oakley explains how sprays, pills, and eye drops can be a part of your allergy management plan, and when you need to call in an expert.

Feelings of anxiety and isolation can be prevalent in individuals over the age of 65. For this older group, shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic can make the feelings of being disconnected and anxious even worse. How can you make sure that your older loved ones are keeping mentally healthy during the time of coronavirus? Dr. Mark Supiano shares some of his strategies to stay connec...

The first three months of development are crucial for parents with a child born with cleft palate or cleft lip. The steps taken during this time can significantly impact the success of future corrective procedures. Dr. Barbu Gociman , University of Utah Health surgeon and member of the Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Center at Primary Children’s Hospital , explains why these first few months are c...