The Scope

Broken bones hurt all the way up until you get a cast on it. On today’s Health Hack, emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains how to make a simple DIY splint to help immobilize an injured limb while you wait for treatment.

In many relationships, women carry the physical, financial, and emotional load of birth control. Vasectomy offers a highly effective, low-risk, one-time solution that removes that burden while maintaining sexual function, testosterone levels, and long-term health. Alexander Pastuszak, MD , gives six compelling reasons couples should consider a vasectomy once their family is complete. Learn why a v...

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen; Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen? They're Santa's reindeers, by the way. And as new research suggests, they're probably female. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the fun research out of Texas A&M University and why it matters to women's health.

Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain in the United States. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says yoga can reduce lower back pain and may be a cheaper alternative to the typical treatments of physical therapy and painkillers for relief.

The most common leg cramps occur during sleep and can often wake you up due to the terrible pain. But what exactly are leg cramps, who is likely to get them, and why do they happen? Women's health expert Kirtly Jones, MD , talks about nighttime leg cramps and whether or not they're normal.

In the United States, 18 percent of children under the age of 18—13 million children—live in a home struggling to put healthy food on the table. Food insecurity can have long-lasting effects on young children, impacting their memory, social, and learning skills. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the steps you can take to help children in food-insecure homes, as well as what resources ar...

Have you stubbed your toe bad enough you think you may have broken it? Save yourself an expensive trip to the ER—emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains how you can do the same procedure you'd receive at an urgent care.

The Seven Domains of Women's Health covers all parts of a woman's life: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental, financial, and spiritual. As the show celebrates five years, Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones goes through her list of top five favorite women's health topics.

Diagnosing ADHD in very young children can be complicated, especially when behaviors that look like symptoms may simply reflect age and maturity. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains what is developmentally normal, and how factors like family changes, anxiety, or classroom demands can mimic ADHD traits. Learn what parents should consider before pursuing a diagnosis and why partnering with a p...

The presence of electric scooters are increasing in a lot of cities, and with them comes the increase in related injuries coming into ERs. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about who's actually getting injured by electric scooters, the types of injuries, and how you can prevent yourself from ending up in the ER.

Play is more than a pastime—it is vital for healthy brain and emotional development. From boosting creativity and problem-solving skills to buffering stress, play is one of the simplest and most effective tools for growth. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about why unstructured, screen-free playtime may be the most important part of your child's day—and what happens when it is missing.

Foot skin issues are common among teenagers—and no, it’s not always athlete’s foot. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about three common foot skin issues in teenagers, and how to identify and treat those issues without a trip to the doctor.

Sugar hides in more places than you think—and kids often get way more than recommended. With childhood obesity affecting nearly 1 in 5 elementary-aged children, pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explores how hidden sugar and portion sizes contribute to the problem. Learn how to read labels more clearly, how to visualize sugar in everyday foods, and what simple swaps can help cut down on excess suga...

After-school programs can provide a safe place for children when parents may not be available. But as children age into preteens, when can they be allowed to stay home by themselves? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the different factors that vary from family to family and how to best prepare your preteen for staying home alone.

A period that shows up two weeks ahead of schedule can feel like a red flag, but timing alone does not always signal trouble. Cycles shift for all kinds of reasons—some meaningful, some just part of being human. Women's health specialist Kirtly Jones, MD , breaks down what really counts as an abnormal cycle and the signs that warrant a call to your clinician.

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. But sometimes it can feel impossible to fall asleep at night. Dr. Tom Miller shares a few simple tips to help you fall asleep—and stay asleep—and discusses when your insomnia may need to be treated by a professional.

Nearly 13 million children and adolescents in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It may seem counterintuitive, but pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says technologies such as smartphones and fitness trackers can actually help kids watch their own weight by gamifying their exercise and physical activity.

Shingles is the reactivation of chickenpox—a virus most people get during childhood—and older people are at a higher risk of getting the infection. Should you receive the new shingles shot even if you’ve already been vaccinated? If you're over 50 years of age, probably. Dr. Tom Miller weights the pros and cons of the new shingles vaccine.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can occur between longer periods of darkness and extremely cold temperatures. According to women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones , the symptoms of SAD primarily affects women. Dr. Jones talks about how to mitigate feelings of depression and hopelessness during autumn and winter.

Just like adults, teenagers are susceptible to receiving sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some STIs are curable and have detectable symptoms, but others can last a lifetime and have no known cure. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how open and honest communications with your children to prevent the spread of STIs.

As your loved ones get older, there’s a good chance they will begin losing their vision, and in turn, their ability to drive safely degrades. But taking away the car keys from a loved one can be an emotional and challenging event. Lisa Ord , patient support program director for The Moran Eye Center, shares some practical strategies on this critical and potentially life-saving conversation.

We typically think of high blood pressure as a problem for adults, but 3.5% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about why some children have high blood pressure, what signs to be on the lookout for and the treatments available.

Vision loss can be overwhelming—but it does not have to be isolating. Licensed clinical social worker Lisa Ord, PhD , shares how emotional support, practical tools, and open communication can help individuals and their families adjust to changes in sight. From talking with loved ones to finding the right resources, learn how to navigate the emotional and practical realities of losing vision—withou...

Having your kids play a sport is a great way to keep them active, happy, and healthy. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the social and psychological benefits that can come with getting your child involved in organized youth sports.

Early miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is common—the most common complication in pregnancy . Approximately one million American women experience a loss of pregnancy in the first twelve weeks. OB/GYN Kirtly Jones, MD , talks about managing pregnancy failure, whether at the clinic or in your own home.