The Scope

Spanking is one of the most controversial issues when it comes to parenting. Some argue that spanking is important for discipline, others find the practice antiquated and violent. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explores what modern research says about the potential long-term consequences of spanking.

Can the way a pregnant woman sleeps affect her baby’s health? A study suggests sleeping on your back in the third trimester may increase the risk of stillbirth, but experts in high-risk obstetrics from University of Utah Health are questioning its reliability. Kirtly Jones, MD , speaks with Martha Monson, MD , Lauren Theilen, MD , and Karen Gibbins, MD , about what the research actually shows, the...

There are a lot of misconceptions about children's allergies. Can your child be born with allergies? Can your child outgrow allergies? Is there anything you can do to prevent your child from developing allergies? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , examines the most common misunderstandings about allergies in children.

Dark circles under a child's eyes look dramatic, but they are rarely a sign of anything dangerous. Most cases come down to nasal congestion or simple genetics. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why some kids naturally look more shadowed under the eyes, how allergies or blocked noses can worsen the appearance, and which rare warning signs suggest something more serious.

The United States infant mortality rate ranks among the worst for wealthy nations, a clear sign that our nation’s health needs improving. This year’s Frontiers in Precision Medicine III symposium will focus on combining the best approaches from two seemingly disparate disciplines—population health and individualized medicine—to pave the way toward a brighter future. Symposium organizer and assista...

At least 30 percent of women in the United States use oral contraceptives for their birth control. For a long time, there has been fear of a link between birth control pills and diseases such as ovarian cancer. But a new study suggests that women who take pills actually have a lower risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. Women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about the new study.

It’s on the calendar. It’s coming soon. Your first gynecological exam. For some young women, this may be particularly anxiety-inducing. Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones walks you through each step of the process—even the dreaded pelvic exam—to make sure you go to your first exam prepared.

If your child's "cold" has dragged on for weeks, it may not be a cold at all. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why winter allergies are often mistaken for repeated viral infections. Learn the key differences to look for, what symptoms actually signal allergies, and when it is time to let your pediatrician take a look.

Regular gynecological exams are essential for women’s health—but there can be confusion about when a woman should schedule her first appointment. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explains some of the important factors that determine when a woman should have her very first exam and why.

A new study reveals that patients receiving radiofrequency catheter ablation compared to traditional drug therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) have significantly lower hospitalization and mortality rates. The findings are published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study's lead author, cardiologist Nassir F. Marrouche, MD, discusses the research and what it means for patients.

There are many ways a woman’s brain differs from a man’s brain. For one, women are known to be more likely to suffer from migraines and headaches. In a study comparing male and female soccer players, women were more likely to suffer a concussion. Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores this surprising phenomenon, and how sex and gender may factor into the findings.

A baby's skin is different than an adult's. Newborns' skin can develop more rashes and can be hyper-sensitive. This is because the skin isn’t fully developed until six months. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the top most common skin care myths for your child. Which ones are true and which should you avoid?

For children with epilepsy, medication is the first line of defense against seizures that could harm the brain. In some cases, though, the condition is resistant to drugs, leaving many parents with few options. But latest advances in epilepsy surgery have shown promising results. Dr. Robert Bollo and Dr. Matthew Sweney from the Epilepsy Program at Primary Children’s Medical Center, explain the new...

Recently, frozen embryos have been in the news with a woman giving birth to an embryo that had been frozen for over 24 years. Not only did the birth break a medical record, it brings up a lot of questions about what it could mean for future parents and the medical community at large. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores the science behind cryopreservation, IVF, and some of the dilemmas and opportuniti...

Like any sport, dance takes serious strength, stamina, and flexibility. As a dancer, it is important to keep safe from a potentially career-ending injury. Trina Bellendir , a physical therapist at the Dance Clinic at University of Utah Orthopedic Center, talks about three of the most common injuries that can occur in dancers and how best to prevent them.

Low-dose methods of contraception, such as birth control pills, IUDs, and implant, have been found to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about these new findings from a Denmark study, the benefits and risks of hormonal birth control, and what it could mean for you.

As a new parent, the things your baby does can lead to all sorts of new worries. Even their breathing can lead to a slew of concerns. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what's normal—or not—in your newborn’s breathing and what signs are alarming.

A pap smear screening is one of most effective ways of preventing cervical cancer. But the screening can be frustrating to do regularly—and downright uncomfortable to have performed. Women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explains the new at-home options for women’s preventative care, how they work and whether or not you are a good candidate to skip the stirrups and test at home.

When pursuing a career in medicine, there’s a lot of options to consider when deciding your specialty. Could family medicine be for you? Family practitioner, Dr. Kirsten Stoesser discusses her experience. Find out why she chose to pursue family medicine, the pros and cons of the field, and whether or not family medicine might be right for you.

Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains how to recognize a true cold sore, what home treatments may help shorten an outbreak, and when children are most contagious. Learn when to ask your doctor ab...

Anyone who has had back pain—and that’s nearly all of us—knows how debilitating it can be. Even more frustrating is that for many, that pain comes back, again and again, no matter what they try. Julie Fritz, Ph. D. , associate dean for research in the College of Health talks about what makes back pain, and back pain treatment, different. She explains why the way to make progress is to match the ri...

Rhinoplasty is not just a cosmetic procedure, it can be performed to improve your breathing as well. It is a low risk operation, but with any procedure on your face, you may have questions and concerns. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Cerrati discusses what you can expect before, during and after the procedure.

Fevers are one of the most common reasons parents bring their kids to the doctor. It’s easy as a parent to give in to "fever-phobia" and assume that something is terribly wrong. But what is the actual reason behind your child’s fever and should you be concerned? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what really causes fevers in children.

Lyme disease is contracted by ticks that carry the Borrelia bacteria, and it can be a tricky disease to diagnose. Dr. John Kriesel , a physician and researcher in the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Utah Health, explains how physicians test patients who suspect they might have caught Lyme disease. Learn what some of the symptoms of Lyme disease are and how the disease can be treat...

Some medical labels come with clarity. Others come with confusion, frustration, and a lot of unanswered questions. Kirtly Jones, MD , explains why the term "syndrome" can feel unsettling for both clinicians and patients, why ruling out true disease matters, and why careful, humble labeling is essential while medicine continues to evolve. Learn how a holistic, patient-centered approach can help whe...