The Scope

Phantom limb pain affects nearly 40 percent of amputees, often persisting despite medications and therapy. Reconstructive surgeon Shaun Mendenhall, MD , outlines why surgical techniques are now recommended. Learn when to consider these procedures, who qualifies, and why timing can make all the difference.

Dentist James Bekker, DDS , discusses the everyday habits that can make or break your oral health. Find out why soda is worse than candy, how dental health impacts diabetes and heart disease, and the best ways to prevent that dreaded “we need to pull your tooth” conversation.

A mental health crisis does not always require a hospital bed, but it does require compassion and professional support. Natalie McClintock, LCSW , shares how the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center offers immediate help—no appointment or referral needed. From anxiety and depression to active psychosis, this walk-in facility provides up to 23 hours of care in a safe, warm envir...

By age 35, your bones are as strong as they are going to get—what you do before and after matters. Kirtly Jones, MD , breaks down what it takes to build and maintain healthy bones throughout life. From adolescence to aging, she explains how hormones, physical activity, and even soda habits affect bone density. Learn why osteoporosis is more than just an "old person's problem" and what actions you...

A persistent clogged or muffled feeling in the ears can be frustrating—and sometimes even concerning. Kelly Trythall, PA-C , an ear, nose, and throat specialist at University of Utah Health, explains what might be behind that plugged-ear sensation. Whether it is earwax, eustachian tube issues, jaw tension, or even hearing loss, different treatment options can provide lasting relief. Learn what ste...

You took too much medication—or someone you love might have—and now you are not sure what to do. Some overdoses can seem mild at first but quickly turn dangerous. Emergency physician Michael Moss, MD , explains which symptoms mean you need to call 911 right away, when the Poison Center can help, and why waiting it out is a risk you should not take.

Physical therapist Meredith Grady, PT , discusses the often-overlooked physical and emotional recovery after childbirth. Learn what new moms should expect in the weeks following delivery, how to care for your pelvic floor, and why the bounce-back mentality is due for retirement.

Most people do not realize their bones are weakening until they experience a fracture. For women, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly after menopause due to the drop in estrogen. But bone loss does not begin at 65. In fact, it can start decades earlier. Kirtly Jones, MD , explores the biology behind bone density decline and why early action is critical. She explains what puts certain...

Irritability, a lack of focus, and difficulty unplugging are not always just typical teen behavior—they could be signs of digital overstimulation. Magenta Silberman, PhD , shares how social media affects emotional regulation, sleep, and attention span in youth and what caregivers can do to support balance. Find out what healthy limits look like and how to start meaningful conversations about digit...

Crises do not wait for appointments—and neither does the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team . Claudine Miller, LCSW, explains how this two-person team meets individuals in crisis anywhere in the community, whether at home, work, or even in the park. Learn how this no-cost, judgment-free service is helping Utahns avoid unnecessary ER visits and navigate moments of crisis with real-time, compassionate care...

You do not need to be suicidal or in psychosis to be in crisis. A mental health crisis can mean overwhelming anxiety, grief that would not lift, or a stretch of time when functioning feels impossible. Natalie McClintock, LCSW , describes the many faces of crisis and introduces a new option for Utahns seeking help—the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center . Designed to be an alte...

The six weeks after childbirth are critical for physical healing and emotional adjustment. But many new mothers skip their postpartum visit. Kirtly Jones, MD , and Meredith Grady, PT , explain why this period—often called the fourth trimester—plays a vital role in restoring pelvic floor health, managing hormonal shifts, and addressing complications early. Learn why caring for yourself after birth...

If you have had every test imaginable—CT scans, balance assessments, blood work—but still frequently experience dizziness, you are not alone. Neurologist Judith Warner, MD , discusses why many patients with persistent dizziness do not get answers right away and how deeper evaluation can reveal causes like vestibular dysfunction, visual sensitivity, or migraine-related vertigo. She shares why these...

Warts are stubborn, contagious, and often misunderstood. Luke Johnson, MD , a dermatologist with University of Utah Health, shares what actually helps—from over-the-counter salicylic acid to in-office freezing—and why no treatment is one-size-fits-all. Learn what to expect from different options, how long it really takes, and why consistency matters.

Wondering about your newborn's pooping habits? Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD , demystifies what is normal—from frequent poops to the occasional blowout. Learn when to relax and when to worry about your baby’s digestive health. Discover the signs that indicate normal processes and those that might require a visit to the emergency room.

Dental health is crucial, but not always affordable for all budgets. James Bekker, DMD , from University of Utah School of Dentistry , offers an insider's guide to finding and utilizing low-cost dental services. From university-run clinics providing care at a fraction of the cost to state-supported initiatives for Medicaid beneficiaries, discover how to access the dental care you need without fina...

External stressors—from economic uncertainties to personal health crises—can leave us feeling helpless and drained. Claudine Miller, LCSW , a specialist in mental health crisis intervention from Huntsman Mental Health Institute, discusses why these stresses hit harder and shares methods to lighten this emotional load. Learn how understanding and addressing these stressors can lead to better mental...

Healing after surgery is not just about rest. It requires the right nutritional support. Surgeon Motaz Selim, MD, PhD explains how proper nutrition is crucial for a good recovery after an operation. He highlights the best foods to fuel the body's healing process and the importance of staying hydrated to ensure a smooth journey of recovery.

Whether they are caused by aging or genetics, droopy eyelids can affect more than just your appearance—they can also impair your vision. Plastic surgeon Dana Johns, MD , offers her expert advice on effective treatments ranging from non-invasive options like retinol creams and laser therapy to surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty or a "lid lift."

Is your infant vomiting or spitting up? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down the sometimes-confusing differences with practical advice and explains the mechanics behind each response. She also outlines clear signs of when spitting up might be symptomatic of something more serious like pathologic reflux or anatomical issues, guiding parents on how to respond effectively.

Newborns often do not have the perfect skin we expect. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains some of the common skin conditions that newborns face, including seborrhea—often referred to as cradle cap—and newborn acne. Both conditions are usually temporary and part of normal development. Learn what causes these conditions and why frequent bathing is not recommended for newborns.

Parents often ask about blood tests during routine pediatric visits, but pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , clarifies that healthy children rarely need them. She shares some of the criteria for screenings in young patients and how insurance factors into decision-making. Learn more about the focused approach pediatricians take to evaluate your child's health and why it may be different than adult scr...

New parents often wait for their baby to cry before feeding, but earlier signs can be spotted. Cindy Gellner, MD , pediatrician at University of Utah Health, discusses common signs of hunger in your baby, including rooting, hand sucking, and lip movements. Understanding these signals can help you more effectively address your baby’s needs and enhance feeding times.

For many children with scoliosis, bracing is a crucial intervention that can avert the progression of spinal deformities. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Joshua Speirs, MD , outlines how braces are tailored to each child’s anatomy, providing the necessary support to correct spinal alignment while allowing for normal growth and activity levels. Learn the answers to some of the most common concerns par...

Learn about the nurturing impact of skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, with insights from pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD . This gentle practice helps stabilize a baby’s vital signs and fosters deeper bonds between parent and child. Find out more about potential benefits, from enhancing premature babies' weight gain to improving sleep patterns and emotional connectivity.