The Scope

Many women who experience uncommon breast pain immediately think of breast cancer. Kirtly Jones, MD , says it is probably something else. Learn what can cause breast pain in women of different ages, and the most important thing to do if one or more of your breasts feels tender.

A clear, concise understanding isn’t always what a patient takes away from a doctor visit. The Ask 3 program reduces doctor/patient communication to three simple questions everyone should understand. Patient education specialist Darren Doman explains this program, encourages patients to ask these questions and urges doctors to make sure they’re understood.

Much like a welcome channel at a hotel, University of Utah Hospital has a patient education channel on all of its TVs. Listen to find out how this underutilized resource provides info about services in the area and informational videos about common illnesses and procedures. Darrin Doman, patient education specialist, says that the channel is there to provide valuable information to patients and sa...

For some people, a good, stiff drink can have a calming effect during stressful times, but dealing with stress also requires clear-headed, rational problem solving. Dr. Kirtly Jones aspires to healthier options to handle pressure. She discusses habitual drinking, alcohol as a social lubricant and dealing with life’s burdens in a positive way.

Healthy aging is not about one magic habit—it is about daily anchors that protect your heart, brain, and overall quality of life. From staying socially connected to challenging your mind and keeping your body moving, Kyle Bradford Jones, MD , talks about how these strategies work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, and depression. Learn how simple, consistent habits...

It takes a couple of weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective, so the earlier you get it the better. It also means you’ll be less likely to spread the illness during flu season. Vaccines are in plentiful supply and currently available.

Depicted in books and movies as split personalities, Dissociative Identity Disorder is a complex defense mechanism for severe trauma. Psychiatrist Jason Hunziker compares differing theories that seek to explain this bizarre disorder. Dr. Hunziker talks the intersection of Hollywood and the science of the human mind, how we portray mental illness and what we actually know.

Fire drills may seem silly, but they’re an essential part of preparedness. Making a plan and preparing for contingencies ahead of time is key. Burn specialist Annette Matherly from University of Utah Burn Center describes some vivid scenarios to help you and your family prepare for a fire and be safe.

Babies can sense stress even before they’re born. Dr. Kirtly Jones, OB-GYN, explores animal studies and historic crises that point to developmental effects attributed to stressors. She talks about interventions, surrogates and the importance of showing your baby lots of love.

Ebola outbreaks have increased in frequency in recent years, culminating in the alarming epidemic that we face today. This phenomenon is due in part to the virus’ amazing ability to adapt and evolve. Michael Kay, Ph. D., professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, and research assistant professor Debra Eckert, Ph. D., report in the journal Protein Science a universal drug target against E...

Last week’s dinner has been in the fridge for several days now, is it still safe to eat? Registered dietitian Theresa Dvorak answers all the questions you might have about leftovers. She goes over some food safety basics concerning storing, freezing, and reheating food so it doesn’t go to waste.

As the kids leave home, parents often anticipate newfound freedom and excitement. However, the reality can sometimes be quite different. Family physician Kyle Bradford Jones, MD , delves into the phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. He discusses the emotional challenges, the return of the "boomerang generation," and navigating the evolving dynamics of caregiving roles within the family.

What if your child's back pain is not about posture, but something more? Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, often appears during a child’s growth spurt and affects more kids than you might think. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , goes over the signs to watch for, and the steps to take if scoliosis is detected. Learn how to spot early symptoms, understand potential cause...

What is genome sequencing? How is it different from other kinds of genetic testing? And what can it really tell you about your health? Wendy Kohlmann, a genetic counselor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, answers these questions and explains who should get it done, and where the technology is heading.

It seems that we’re adopting technology faster than we can assess the risks. Fetal exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and other sources is occurring with little understanding of potentially harmful effects. Dr. Kirtly Jones investigates the safety concerns with Patty Wood, executive director of Grassroots Environmental Education. They discuss some recommendations for what to av...

Infectious diseases such as Ebola are becoming a worldwide major concern, especially if you're traveling abroad. Dr. Sankar Swaminathan, Chief of the Infectious Disease Division at University of Utah Health Care, tells you the one thing you should always do before you leave the country, and in some cases after you get back, to keep yourself and others healthy.

Ebola has reached the United States, but doctors everywhere are saying there is no need to panic. Sankar Swaminathan is the chief of the infectious disease division at University of Utah Healthcare. He explains why an outbreak similar to the one in West Africa is highly unlikely in the US.

A car seat might be a great deal at a yard sale, but remember that you're paying for your child's safety. Pediatrician Nathan Bexfield discusses car seat product concerns and things to watch for when considering a buying a used car seat.

Refills for e-cigarettes that smell and taste sweet present a potentially fatal risk to children. Dr. Zane Horowitz from the Utah Poison Control Center deals with this increasingly common form of poisoning. These concentrated nicotine vials are currently unregulated and accidental poisonings are skyrocketing. He discusses symptoms, treatments and common-sense prevention.

Director of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, Jean Shipman, talks about a new interactive website offered through the Library that hopes to speed the availability of innovative medical research. Through a shared multimedia platform, ideas and innovation can be presented, examined and reviewed as soon as they’re developed. The appeal of shared multimedia interface hopes to draw in more...

Fever, sore throat, and a painful, spotty rash can look a lot like strep—but often the culprit is hand, foot, and mouth disease. This common childhood virus spreads easily and can affect kids of any age, even adults. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about how the disease is transmitted, the key symptoms that distinguish it from strep, and the simple comfort measures that help your child stay...

Women who inherit certain mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at high risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer at a young age. So why don’t all women undergo genetic testing to see if they are carriers? Wendy Kohlmann, a genetic counselor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, explains why the suggestion, published this month in the Journal of the American Medical A...

Building a healthy family is not just about luck—it is about intentional choices. Family physician Kyle Bradford-Jones, MD , talks about the three key components of a thriving family dynamic and shares practical tips—backed by research—to strengthen your family bonds and create a happy, healthy home.

Juicing, blending and mixing: there are many ways to consume healthy food. Registered dietitian Kary Woodruff reveals which of these is most beneficial for your health. She gives advice for how you can drink your fruits and veggies and still retain all of their nutrients.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy presents a risk for the fetus. OB-GYN Dr. Kirtly Jones provides some sobering statistics about the effects of an expectant mother drinking alcohol.