The Scope

Though physical distancing can be frustrating and tiring, it's still the best practice to keep safe from coronavirus. Dr. Emily Spivak from the Division of Infectious Diseases talks about why staying vigilant with physical distancing is important during the COVID-19 pandemic, even as restrictions start to loosen.

Shortness of breath, heart-pounding, and chest pain can all be physical signs of anxiety. But they can also be signs of coronavirus as well. Doctors can distinguish the two if you're at the hospital, but what if you're at home in the middle of the night? Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the differences between anxiety and COVID-19 .

Exercise and sunshine are important, even during physical distancing. But a common concern parents may have is whether or not their kids can play outside. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the guidelines for keeping safe while playing outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sales of alcoholic beverages in the United States have increased 55% compared to this time last year. Our lives are stressful and alcohol consumption can be a common way to self-medicate those stresses. Women, especially, are more likely to use alcohol to cope with depression and anxiety. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the effects of stress drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A good protective measure against COVID-19 is to wear a face mask—if you're asymptomatic, face masks can help contain the spread of droplets from your coughs and sneezes. It's important to keep your face masks clean, especially homemade ones. Medical Director for Occupational Medicine Dr. Jeremy Biggs talks about face mask hygiene.

Staying physically distant from other people. Covering your coughs and sneezes. Washing your hands often. With new information surrounding COVID-19 coming out almost daily, Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Care Dr. Richard Orlandi says when it comes to protecting yourself against coronavirus, the basics are still the best methods.

The ER is for emergencies—we know this. But which health conditions classify as "emergencies" can be confusing. It's important to know the guidelines for coming into the ER. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the ABC(and D)s of when you should go to the emergency room.

Your mental well-being comes to the forefront during a global health crisis. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, it can help to talk to someone about the emotions you're feeling. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about seeking mental health care.

It's important to keep your home clean, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleaning can also help relieve feelings of anxiety. But specific disinfecting products, when used together, can do more harm than good. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the dos and don'ts of stress-cleaning.

Feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed, and ambiguity of the future can be common during a crisis, and it is human nature to avoid those emotions. But psychiatrist Benjamin Chan, MD , says it is better to embrace the negative emotions you may have during times of uncertainty.

Uncertainties can cause stress on both the mind and body, but not thinking about the uncertainties can be a difficult thing to do. Psychiatrist Benjamin Chan, MD , shares three key strategies for building resilience and finding calm in turbulent times. From the power of mindfulness to embracing new routines and prioritizing self-care, Dr. Chan offers practical ways to face life's challenges and pr...

If you're experiencing flu-like symptoms—such as fever, cough, or fatigue—but haven't traveled or been in contact with someone who has, should you get a coronavirus test? Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Care Dr. Richard Orlandi talks about when you should get tested for COVID-19 .

It's a stressful time for many of us, even children. With most children having been sent home from school, stress and anxiety can run high. Child psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about what parents can do to help their kids during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accidents happen. Where do you go for a broken bone, sprain, or other orthopedic injuries? Dr. Julia Rawlings explains how the University of Utah Orthopaedic Injury Clinic can treat most acute orthopedic injuries. At this time, the walk-in clinic is requiring patients to schedule an appointment for treatment. If you or someone you know experiences an acute orthopedic injury, call 801-997-9955 to s...

Stress and sleep have a two-way relationship: stress makes it harder to sleep, and poor sleep makes it harder to handle stress. Kelly Baron, MD , sleep expert at University of Utah Health, explains why stress impacts deep rest, how disrupted sleep can affect emotional well-being, and what steps you can take to reset your sleep. Learn about strategies to manage stress, improve sleep, and protect bo...

Lowering cholesterol is not about cutting out eggs or following a rigid diet—it is about understanding which fats truly impact heart health and making realistic changes that last. Nutrition specialist Sharee Thompson breaks down how saturated and trans fats affect cholesterol, what a heart-healthy eating pattern looks like, and why progress takes consistency, not perfection. Learn how small, strat...

Essential tremor is a debilitating neurological disorder that can make daily life difficult. Treatments typically include medications with severe side effects or open skull brain surgery. But a new technology allows surgeons to treat the condition without making a single incision. Dr. Matthew Alexander and Dr. John Rolston from University of Utah Health Clinical Neurosciences Center explain how fo...

What you eat impacts your health beyond gaining weight. An RDN can teach you to eat to treat physical ailments like kidney disease and cancer to mental health issues like ADHD and depression and a variety of other conditions. Sharee Thompson explains how a qualified registered dietitian can help improve your health through a tailored, research-based nutrition plan.

When it comes to developing breast cancer, size does not matter. A smaller breast does not lead to a smaller risk of developing a tumor. Women's health expert, Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks with breast imaging specialist Dr. Helene Mrose about what really impacts the chances of developing breast cancer and the importance of getting a cancer screening.

A urethral stricture can seriously impact a man’s life. Previous treatments available had low success rate, but there are new options available to treat the condition. Dr. Jeremy B. Myers talks about the causes of urethral strictures and what urologists can do to fix them.

Headlines are talking about a new one-size-fits-all type of cancer treatment. Are these claims real or are they just hype? Dr. John Phillips , professor of hematology at University of Utah Health has been involved with the potentially groundbreaking research . Learn more about what this study really means for cancer treatment and patients.

Incontinence. Prolapse. Tearing. Postpartum pelvic floor disorders affect many women after childbirth, but are rarely discussed ahead of time. Luckily, treatments at U of U Health are available. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks with Dr. Audra Jo Hill about the new Postpartum Pelvic Floor Clinic and the hope it gives those suffering from pelvic symptoms post-delivery.

A typical vaginal birth can be a joyful experience for a new mother. But most women will say that nothing is really quite the same down there after birth. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks with pelvic floor disorder specialist Dr. Audra Jo Hill about the risk factors women should be aware of and the different issues that can happen postpartum.

There are many potential health benefits associated with taking Omega-3 supplements, and there may be a new one to add to that list. New research found that fish oil supplements lead to a significant reduction in stroke and heart attack risk. Dr. Tom Miller explains the study and why you should ask your doctor if Omega-3’s are right for you.

Are you the parent of a teenager? Then you know how hard it can be to talk to them about, well, anything. This is especially true when trying to talk about their health. Dr. Cindy Gellner recommends a few tips on how to broach sensitive health-related topics with your teenager—and actually get a positive response.