The Scope

As a parent, Identifying signs of clinical depression in your teenager can be quite difficult. Dr. Thomas Conover looks for negative changes in these key areas: school performance, participation in extracurriculars, social life, and family interactions. Learn how to assess these situations and when to seek professional help for your teen.

Shin splints are common in athletes—but persistent pain can signal something more serious. Athletic trainer Travis Nolan explains how untreated shin splints can progress into stress fractures, what warning signs to look for, and why early evaluation can save athletes from missing weeks of play. Learn how to recognize when it is time to rest, get checked out, and prevent a minor injury from turning...

For women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are concerns about what risks you and your baby may face if you become infected. Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks with Dr. Torri Metz to discuss her recently completed multi-center study looking into the ways coronavirus can impact a pregnancy. Learn more about what the research has fo...

Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with a teenager, but it is too important to ignore—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teen depression, self-harm, and suicide have seen a rise as teenagers are cut off from their sense of normal. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares her personal and professional experience with suicide, and the importance of checking in with your child and helping...

Pectus excavatum or funnel chest is a deformity that can cause a child’s ribs and breastbone to grow inward giving the chest wall a sunken appearance. In some cases the condition is merely cosmetic, in others, it can lead to serious complications involving the heart and lungs. Stephen Fenton, MD , explains how to determine if the condition needs correction and what surgical treatments are availabl...

After suffering a stroke, many patients can become limited in their ability to do basic functions like walking and using one’s hands. Physical therapy can help stroke survivors get out of bed and back to life. Dr. Steven Edgley explains how techniques and technology has improved in the past decade to help stroke patients - both new and old - improve their quality of life.

High-risk pregnancies require a team of experts to address both child and mother's needs before, during, and after delivery. Dr. Stephen Fenton is the founder and director of the Utah Fetal Center at Primary Children's Hospital. Dr. Fenton talks about some of the high-risk conditions the center treats, how it helps coordinate all aspects of care, and what to expect as a patient.

Most teenagers experience changes in their mood and emotions during puberty, whether it be trying to isolate themselves in their room, not wanting to do things with the family, or general irritability. These can also be the signs of depression. Psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Conover explains what questions you should be asking yourself —and your teenager—to help identify if it’s typical teenage moodiness...

Septoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated septum, is often associated with its potential to enhance sleep quality. However, ENT physician Marc Error, MD , says the surgery is not a reliable treatment for sleep-related concerns. Learn about alternative procedures for treating sleep issues and the non-surgical options available to improve your sleep patterns.

Pectus carinatum or pigeon chest, is a genetic disorder that makes the chest wall jut out during puberty. While the condition may cause only minor physical issues, it can have a significant impact on a teenager’s self-esteem. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Stephen Fenton explains what causes the condition and what corrective treatments are available.

Animals can provide comfort, this is a fact. But an emotional support animal is not a pet or a service animal and requires specific training and certification. Some parents may think to request a letter from their child's pediatrician if the child has an emotional disability and a pet helps calm their symptoms—pediatrician Dr. Cindy Geller talks about the criteria for a diagnosis that qualifies yo...

Dr. Michael Good recently rounded with the mobile nursing supervisor during a recent night shift at University of Utah Hospital. He shares what he saw during his three hours and shares a message for everyone who contributes to exceptional patient care.

Well-child visits are still happening, even during a global health pandemic. The good news is your doctor's office is probably one of the safest places to be during COVID-19 outside of your house. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what to expect during your child's visit, how doctors' offices are adjusting to COVID-19, and whether or not virtual well-child visits are a good alternative.

While the classroom may look different this year, school is still happening. As a parent, you worry your child might get infected if they are attending in-person classes. But if your child is remote learning, you worry they are not fully absorbing the learning materials. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how to keep both students and teachers safe—in the classroom and at home—during the C...

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...