The Scope

Nose picking is a normal habit for children—but it can be gross. It's deemed socially unacceptable, can spread colds and can cause nose bleeds. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner has some tips for parents on how to keep their kids' little fingers out of their noses.

With summer almost here, many people are rolling out those dusty lawn mowers to trim their lawns. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen discusses some common injuries that lawn mowers can cause and offers important safety tips to follow.

Waking up with numb hands during pregnancy? It might not be just another random symptom. Find out what could be causing it, why pregnancy makes it more common, and what simple steps can help ease the discomfort. Orthopedic surgeon Nikolas Kazmers, MD , provides guidance on managing the issue safely during pregnancy.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a big public health concern. These so-called superbugs are resistant to life-saving drugs that we take for granted. Dr. Barbara Jones , a pulmonologist with University of Utah Health and the VA IDEAS Center for Innovation, explains how the habits and attitudes of some doctors are fueling the problem and what can be done to change things.

Increasingly, physicians are using a new technique, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation—eCPR—to resuscitate patients. The technique involves a machine that withdraws and pumps oxygenated blood back into a patient's body under pressure. According to emergency room physician Dr. Scott Youngquist , the performance rate of eCPR to help patients survive is better than traditional methods of em...

Kids can develop pretty gross habits. Nail biting is a common one—more than 50 percent of teenagers bite their nails. But frequent nail biting can lead to infection, warts and permanent nail damage. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses why nail biting can be a serious health concern and offer some strategies to help your kid kick the habit.

In the United States, there are two breeds of poisonous spiders to be worried about: the black widow and the brown recluse. We’ve all heard horror stories about these creepy creatures, but what really happens if you get bit by one? And what can doctors do about it? Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen shares the surprisingly non-lethal symptoms of a spider bite.

Traveling during pregnancy does not have to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge about timing, destinations, and travel precautions, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free journey. OB/GYN Jennifer Feige, MD , shares expert advice on the best trimester for travel, minimizing health risks, and staying comfortable during long trips.

Knees, elbows and other joints can sometimes make popping noises. Is it something to worry about? Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Greis , says, generally, no. However, a popping noise associated with pain could indicate a problem. Find out how a physician might diagnose a popping knee.

Maybe it’s some redness on your skin. Maybe a small cut has become inflamed. Maybe an ingrown hair has become a little more worrisome. Is your skin infection something to worry about and when should you seek immediate care? Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the symptoms you should be on the lookout for in case a skin infection becomes life-threatening.

Most of us know having high cholesterol is generally a bad thing. But what exactly is cholesterol? It’s not only a major signpost for your overall health, but it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Tom Miller, MD , from University of Utah Health explains what cholesterol is, breaks down the numbers, and tells you why it matters to your and your loved ones’ health.

If your newborn isn’t taking to your breast milk, could she be allergic? According to Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones , the chances are very low. Dr. Jones goes through the few situations in which a baby is seemingly “allergic” to Mom’s breast milk and offers ways you can help her overcome them.

Mice destined to get cancer live longer when they have plenty of social interactions, mental activity, and exercise. Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator Dr. Melinda Angus-Hill led a research study that revealed this surprising finding. She explains how an enriched lifestyle impacts cancer, what changes biologically, and the potential implications for people with cancer.

Playgrounds are great for kids and parents. They let your children get rid of some of their seemingly endless energy and give them a chance to socialize with others. But sometimes kids don’t quite get along. As a parent, what should you do when your child encounters difficult children who may not let her play or who tease her? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner from University of Utah Health shares a...

People may often see little moving proteins—called floaters—in their eyes. Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Zaugg explains what floaters are, why they occur, and why they generally occur more in older people. He'll also tells you some tips for managing floaters.

Helmets are a vital piece of safety equipment for many activities and may save your life. But we may be depending on helmets a little too much. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen shares some of his first-hand experiences with helmet safety from the ER. He reminds listeners to still play it smart when it comes to safety, even if you're wearing a helmet.

Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks to Dr. Gwen McMillin , medical director of toxicology at ARUP Laboratories, about managing drug abuse in mothers and newborns. Find out how drugs can be tested and detected, and learn the harmful effects that some popular drugs—such as opioids and marijuana—can have on young babies. Also, learn what alternatives a pregnant woman may utilize to lessen the harmful effe...

Thirty percent of women ages 40-50 have an overactive bladder : more bathroom breaks during the day, urgent trips waking you up at night. According to women's health specialist Kirtly Jones, MD , there are a few reasons for an overactive bladder, but this is normal. Find out what could be causing your frequent trips to the bathroom and how to reduce your need to go.

Orthopedic surgeon Chris Peters, MD , talks about why he chose to specialize in joint replacement. Find out why marathon runners are more prone to arthritis and if nutritional supplements provide any real benefit to your joints.

A common question people may ask is whether a bone fracture will heal itself or if it needs to be treated by a doctor. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Haller says it depends on the severity. Some broken bones require an operation, whereas others simply need a cast. Find out ways to identify a possible fracture and whether or not you should seek treatment.

Recent studies show the majority of published research cannot successfully be replicated. This could potentially question the validity of tens of thousands of scientific studies. Hilda Bastian , chief editor of PubMed Commons, talks about what this means to the scientific field and how it could impact the general public.

Long hours, a challenging environment and various health care system-induced pressures can cause burnout among physicians. Dr. Tony Tsai, director of education strategy at the University of Utah School of Medicine, says doctors can overcome burnout in a number of ways, such as creating meaning for themselves. Learn some other strategies that physicians can focus on to avoid burnout and stay resili...

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication when an infection spreads to the bloodstream. It’s not too common for most people, but at-risk patients might not even realize the infection has spread. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains the complication of sepsis, how to tell if you might be at risk and how to identify signs that you should get to the hospital immediately.

An estimated 1 in 10 unborn babies is exposed to harmful drugs of abuse or prescription drugs. Dr. Gwen McMillin , professor of pathology and medical director of toxicology at ARUP Laboratories, says, "It's a growing problem in parallel to the national opioid epidemic." Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks with Dr. McMillin about the use of umbilical cords to test newborns for their risk to drug exposur...

You had a headache and a stuffy nose, but your loved one has a fever and an upset stomach. Is it from the same bug? Tom Miller, MD , has the answers about individual symptoms and answers whether or not you were really the one who got your loved one sick.