The Scope

All too often an answer to the simple question of “what is making me sick?” does not come easily. Current methods for figuring out what viruses or bacteria are causing infection come with the risk of being too slow, or failing to find the culprit altogether. Taxonomer is a genomics-based pathogen surveillance tool that could provide the basis for a new way of diagnosing infectious disease. In this...

Headaches, back pain and abdominal pains are some of the most common pains. While these may seem normal, there might be something more going on. Many people ignore these symptoms, but should they? Dr. Troy Madsen discusses when these "normal" pains can turn dangerous, and when to visit your doctor.

Sciatica often starts suddenly—with sharp, electric pain radiating from the lower back down the leg. While the symptoms can feel alarming, most cases improve with time and conservative care. Orthopedic surgeon Ryan Spiker, MD , explains what is happening inside the body, why sciatica develops, and how to manage symptoms safely. Learn when to stay active, what treatments actually help, and which wa...

First and foremost - do not panic. Do not get into a car and drive yourself to the hospital. Get to ground level and listen to your body. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones reminds us that women all over the world deliver babies outside of a hospital and goes through the basic steps to deliver your baby at home when getting to the hospital is just not an option.

Many people today are looking for ways to relieve stress, but don’t know how to do it. Unfortunately, many teenagers are turning to cutting as stress relief and as a way to feel again. Dr. Cindy Gellner shares why teenagers are cutting and where they can get help.

Considering a career as a medical assistant but don’t know where to start? Christine Edwards works at University of Utah Health Care as a medical assistant. We ask her about how she got into the field, what her schooling was like, what opportunities exist after you get your foot in the door and her insights into who would do well at this job and how to be successful at it.

You or somebody you know suddenly becomes confused. What does it mean? There are a number of things that could cause this confusion. But if there are other symptoms that appear with confusion, this can be quite serious. Dr. Troy Madsen shares about what this confusion can mean. He also shares what to do if this confusion kicks in.

Ever joked with your friends about eating a tapeworm to lose weight? While weight loss may seem tempting, tapeworms can be very dangerous. Sometimes growing up to 30 feet, tapeworms can cause countless medical issues. ARUP medical technologist Kristen Case talks about the signs and symptoms of tapeworms and how to avoid them.

Scoliosis is common and usually isn't progressive, and, fortunately, those with the condition often can live without much trouble. For some, however, scoliosis can cause pain and even impair function if left untreated. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, Dr. Darrel Brodke , about when you should visit your physician for scoliosis and ways to lessen the pain

Some women describe feeling extremely unbalanced and more prone to dropping things while pregnant, especially in the last trimester. Most women gain 30 pounds in front throughout the pregnancy, and Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones compares the weight gain to wearing a backpack on your waist. It’s going to be hard to balance. Dr. Jones talks about how weight gain, as well as other changes in the body, can m...

Will drinking coffee stunt your child's growth? Does chocolate really give you acne? Is fish brain food? Dr. Cindy Gellner stops by to tell us which tales are true, and which to forget about.

Many women choose to have their ovaries removed during a hysterectomy. Though removing the ovaries adds little to overall risk of the surgery, it could contribute to colon cancer or other potential health problems. In this episode, Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones discusses the risks and benefits of removing the ovaries.

Stubbing a toe is painful. You might have stubbed your toe really hard, and might have even broken it. Should you go to the ER? Dr. Troy Madsen stops by to discuss whether you should go to the ER. He also discusses how to treat and care for a stubbed toe.

Spinal stenosis is a very common condition, especially as we age. It is a sharp, electrical pain in the lower limbs. Many patients also experience a weakness, burning or heaviness in their feet and legs. It’s caused by arthritis and other age-related factors that compress the nerve roots in the spine. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Spiker talks about this common condition and how a physical therapist...

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited genetic disorder involving abnormalities in the blood vessels. The disorder affects one in 5,000 Americans. Dr. Jamie McDonald , certified genetic counselor, says that number may be underrepresented, estimating that nine out of 10 people with HHT go undiagnosed. Dr. McDonald talks about what HHT is, its causes and symptoms, and how clinic...

Playtime is a crucial time when preschoolers learn problem solving and how to share. Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses how and why a child's playtime is essential for good development.

You feel a pain in your chest and left arm. You immediately start worrying that you're having a heart attack. At what point do chest pains equal a heart attack? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen shares what chest pains can mean. He also discusses the symptoms and feelings of a heart attack versus "regular" chest pain.

The prescription pain relievers you once used after an injury or surgery seem to no longer help with the pain. After extended use, drugs like morphine or oxycodone may not provide the same pain relief they once did. Women's health expert Kirtly Jones, MD , talks about narcotics, how your body responds to them, and why these pain relievers can sometimes actually cause you to feel more pain.

You diet. You exercise. You do everything you can to live an active and healthy life, but you still have fat in those ‘problem areas.’ Those love handles, muffin tops and stomach rolls. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem fair. Dr. David Smart talks about two medical treatments developed by dermatologists to target those areas and help you lose up to 20 percent of that stubborn fat.

Considering a career as a medical assistant and want a better idea what the day-to-day responsibilities look like? Christine Edwards has done it for seven years and we asked her to take us though a typical day. She talks about what she does, her responsibilities, what she likes about her job and why she loves working at University of Utah Health Care.

Many parents have heard traditional beliefs or old wives' tales surrounding raising children, but are any of them true? Will wearing shoes accelerate a toddler's ability to walk? Does teething make your child sick? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the veracity of these toddler tales, providing clarity on what holds true, and what remains a myth in the realm of child development.

There’s more than one good reason to get a flu shot while pregnant. Julie Shakib , D.O., M.P.H., assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine and medical director of the Well Baby and Intermediate Nursery, describes her research showing that the flu vaccine not only benefits the mom, but the baby, too. She explains how it works, and why that is a crucial time for...

Coming home from an outdoor adventure and seeing a tick can be a scary thing. What's the best way to remove a tick, and when do you need to visit a doctor? Dr. Troy Madsen shares when it's appropriate to visit the doctor, and what treatments are available if a tick bites you.

Pathology labs like ARUP see an increase in parasite cases during summertime. Hiking, swimming in pools, traveling and barbecuing are all common summer activities that can expose you to parasites. Kristen Case from ARUP joins us to talk about the infections she sees during the summer and what you can do to protect yourself.

Is your child a wax factory? Earwax can be gross for parents to deal with, but it has its purposes. Dr. Cindy Gellner shares with us how to clean out a child's ear the correct way and the dangers of using cotton swabs. She also discusses what to do and what not to do when it comes to your child's earwax.