The Scope

A randomized clinical trail led by Huntsman Cancer Institute investigators finds that a combinatorial chemotherapy reduces precancerous polyps by 75 percent in patients at high-risk for cancer. This advance represents the first prevention therapy against the leading cause of death, cancer of the small intestine, for patients with a genetic condition that leads to a 100 percent lifetime risk for de...

Warm weather is coming and it’s time to get your yard ready for summer–but be careful using a lawn mower. Dr. Troy Madsen , emergency physician, joins us to describe common lawn mower injuries he sees in the ER, and the type of injuries he sees the most might just surprise you.

The occasional “knuckle rub” to an itching eye can feel relieving, especially as allergy season starts. However, according to Mark Mifflin, MD , professor of ophthalmology, chronic eye itching can lead to serious, irreparable damage to your eyes. Tom Miller, MD , talks to Dr. Mifflin about what can cause constant eye irritation and the risks you take by rubbing your eyes too often or too hard.

Low sex drive is not uncommon in men, with 20 to 25 percent expressing having little interest for an extended period in the past year. But what about a sudden drop in male libido? It may be a touchy subject for some men, but it’s worth discussing if you feel your partner isn’t acting normal in the bedroom. In this special episode of "Am I Normal," Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores eight common reas...

The picosecond laser is the most precise piece of laser technology available to dermatologists, capable of bursts as small as one-trillionth of a second. In skilled hands this laser can remove tattoo ink more effectively and with fewer treatments and potential complications than previous lasers. Dr. David Smart explains how the laser works and why it is so important for patients to make sure they...

Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains common childhood smells. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.

Just as our immune system kicks into gear to fight off the cold or flu, it can also mount a defense against cancer, but typically isn’t strong enough to defeat it. Mingnan Chen, Ph. D. , assistant professor of pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Utah, is developing a system to boost our body’s own defenses that he anticipates could one day become the basis for a cancer...

A recent study shows the life expectancy for individuals with autism can be 10 to 30 years less than those without it. But why? It might have to do with inadequate health care. Scott Wright , a researcher at University of Utah and the editor of the book "Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mid and Later Life," talks about the different factors in health care and the challenges individuals with autism have...

Some women just “feel a little different” around the beginning of their menstrual cycle. This is called a catamenial symptom. These symptoms can include everything from cramping to headaches to acne to anxiety and are caused by changes in the hormone and biochemical levels in a woman’s body. But in some rare cases, this monthly change in body chemistry can cause severe and potentially dangerous re...

Believe it or not, a majority of people suffering from tennis elbow do not actually play tennis. It can actually be caused by any overuse of the arm, forearm, and hand muscles. Symptoms usually include severe arm pain even lifting light objects. The condition is actually a degenerative one, meaning ice and anti-inflammatories might not help. Tom Miller, MD , talks to orthopedic specialist Angela W...

Imagine this: during a skin self-exam you notice a growth or mole that looks suspicions but you aren’t sure. You take a picture of it with your phone using a special app that allows others to vote whether or not they think you should do something about it. The next day, you wake up and learn that 38 percent of the people that looked at it you should see a dermatologist. Sound crazy? Maybe, but it...

Playing novice electrician? Stuck something in an outlet you shouldn’t have? Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen explores the potential health risks you may face after experiencing even just a minor electrical shock. And spoiler: You should go to the hospital.

Thyroid nodules are surprisingly common, affecting up to half of the U.S. population, yet only a small percentage turn out to be cancerous. Endocrinologist Dev Abraham, MD , from Huntsman Cancer Institute, explains how thyroid nodules are evaluated, what risk factors doctors look for, and why, in some cases, careful monitoring may be safer than immediate surgery. Learn what every patient should kn...

Some kids are easier than others. As a parent you want to feel like a parenting genius, but what do you do when your child is moody, stubborn, challenging, spirited or just down right difficult? First, give yourself a break. Parenting is hard, and in most cases a difficult child is the way they are in spite of your efforts as a parent. Dr. Cindy Gellner has some methods of dealing with your child’...

In this episode of ER or Not , we find out what sorts of trouble you could be in if you accidentally swallowed the not-so-tasty part of a chicken wing. Should you go to the ER immediately or wait for the situation to pass? Dr. Troy Madsen has the answers.

Even a small slip or fall onto an outstretched hand can injure your wrist, but just how bad is it? Should you ice and elevate the injury? Or go to the doctor for an X-ray? Tom Miller, MD , talks to orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist Andrew Tyser, MD , about what to look out for when it comes to wrist injuries.

Too much hair? Too little hair? Brown spots? Light spots? Wrinkles and fine lines? Dermatological laser therapy might be an answer to your skin problems. Your skin protects you from the environment, but over time the sun, wind and even pollution can damage it. Dermatologist Dr. David Smart explains how, in the hands of trained professionals, lasers can normalize your skin and treat a multitude of...

A child who doesn’t make eye contact; doesn’t smile when others smile. A child who doesn’t say “mama” or “dada” at 15 months. These behaviors may make parents worry that their child has autism. Dr. Cindy Gellner tells us what signs to look for in your child’s development and how your pediatrician can properly diagnose autism with a standardized test.

When you have a family member with advanced cancer, the final days can be very difficult, especially if you are also their caregiver. However, they can also be a special experience. Clinical psychologist Lee Ellington has done a lot of research on this topic and has identified five things that can make those final days more rewarding for your loved one and yourself.

When you think of corrective vision surgery, LASIK may be the first procedure that comes to mind, but did you realize there are other options available that might be better for you? PRK is an older, yet effective, laser treatment that gives the same results as LASIK, and is an option for people that cannot undergo LASIK. Dr. Amy Lin from the Moran Eye Center discusses the pros and cons of PRK and...

Ribs are like bicycle helmets. They are made to take the brunt of an impact to keep your delicate organs safe. If they break, doctors cannot just put a cast on them. You are going to need time to heal. While 85 percent of rib fractures heal on their own, in more extreme cases surgery may be needed. Thomas Varghese, MD , explains what warning signs to look for with more severe rib fractures and whe...

We know by now there is, unfortunately, no Fountain of Youth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t expand your life expectancy. A new medical study is suggesting that watching cat videos can help you live a healthier, longer life. Strong immune system, better cardio health and a defense against common allergies are just some of the health benefits. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones walks you through the study an...

Puberty is not only awkward for teens, but for parents too. Are you prepared to talk with your daughter about the changes in her body? In this episode, Dr. Cindy Gellner lays out all the information you need to educate your daughter - and maybe yourself - about maturing into an adult.

Researchers have unexpectedly found that a drug that has been used for the past 50 years to treat heart failure and high blood pressure also inhibits infection by the Epstein Barr virus, which causes mono and is associated with several cancers. Lead author of the study, Sankar Swaminathan , MD, chief of infectious disease at University of Utah Health Care, discusses how he came upon this chance fi...

Believe it or not, April is the most common month for four- wheeler- and ATV- related injuries, with Easter weekend being the worst. Dr. Troy Madsen explain why he sees so many cases of four- wheeler accidents at the start of the season and the steps you can take in an emergency situation.