The Scope

SPF stands for "sunburn protection factor" and indicates how long one can stay in the sun without getting burned. Despite common belief, the SPF number alone may not be the most crucial factor to consider when selecting sunscreen. Doug Grossman, MD , explains the SPF sunscreen index and underscores the significance of active ingredients, particularly minerals like zinc or titanium, in providing ef...

Acne is an embarrassing topic for them, but 90% of teenagers may benefit from acne treatment. Dr. Cindy Gellner goes in depth on modern acne therapy and discusses the dos and don’ts of treating the three common types of pimples. From mild through severe, acne is not just a rite of passage, but also a treatable condition.

In an environment where others struggle to survive, Tibetans thrive in the thin air on the Tibetan Plateau, with an average elevation of 14,800 feet. A study led by University of Utah scientists is the first to find a genetic cause for the adaptation – a single DNA base pair change that dates back 8,000 years – and demonstrate how it contributes to the Tibetans’ ability to live in low oxygen condi...

Anger, sadness, and anxiety are signals of your emotional wellness. Listen as Dr. Kirtly Jones probes the boundaries of Emotional Health, which has been identified as one of the Seven Domains of Women’s Health. Take the quiz to discover where you are on the emotional wellness spectrum. Dr. Jones suggests some simple activities to bolster your positive emotions and improve your overall sense of wel...

One of the most important parts of school registration is getting your child up-to-date on vaccinations. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , walks us through the required vaccinations and the ages they should be given. She gives details about vaccine exemptions and the best way to keep track of the boosters your child receives through the years.

There is a battle going on around us, and most of us don’t even know it. Nels Elde, Ph. D, assistant professor in human genetics at the University of Utah, is uncovering frightening ways in which viruses evolve to outsmart, at least temporarily, our own defenses. He describes his research and how understanding virus’ tactics may eventually help us to win the war.

Wisdom tooth extraction is almost a rite of passage for many Americans. Dr. Bryce Williams talks about why it’s important to have them removed. He also describes the difference between dentists and oral surgeons and offers some insight about which may be a better choice if you are having this procedure done.

Sometimes, what happens before and after surgery can be more complicated and confusing than the actual operation. Assistant Professor of Surgery Dr. Benjamin Brooke seeks to involve patients in the design and implementation a new study that identifies problems from a patient’s perspective so hospitals can do a better job. By tapping into common patient experiences, the study hopes improve coordina...

Flies get diabetes? How similar these winged nuisances are to people may surprise you. Carl Thummel, Ph. D., professor of human genetics at the University of Utah, explains the power of modeling disease in fruit flies, and what they are telling him about the development of the diabetes.

It’s a bit of a dilemma: you can’t treat a patient’s Hepatitis C because they have kidney failure, and their kidney failure is only going to get worse if you can’t treat their Hepatitis C. What would you do? Dr. Jeffery Campsen, a transplant surgeon at University of Utah Health Care, tells you how they got to the “ah ha!” moment that solved that problem for one of their patients.

Walking is something many of us take for granted. For a stroke survivor, walking is a crucial component to their recovery and lifetime health. Dr. Tom Miller talks to the Director of Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of Utah and stroke survivor Dr. Steven R. Edgley about the importance of walking. They discuss how fast a stroke survivor should be able to walk, what obstacles they might face,...

Potty training is a milestone that can feel overwhelming—but when done patiently and positively, it becomes a manageable and rewarding phase. With support and consistency, most kids transition out of daytime diapers by the time they start school. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , offers clear, evidence-based strategies parents can use to guide their child toward bathroom independence.

Does getting a rich golden-brown tan offer protection from dangerous skin-cancer causing UV rays? Dr. Doug Grossman from Huntsman Cancer Institute describes suntanned skin on a molecular level. He discusses the effects of sun exposure on DNA, tanning beds and different forms of skin cancer.

Severe abdominal pain that leaves you unable to stand up straight should never be ignored. Emergency physician Scott Youngquist, MD , explains why sudden, intense abdominal pain often warrants an emergency evaluation. Learn about potentially serious causes, how symptoms can progress, and why waiting too long can lead to dangerous complications.

A woman's health is more than just her physical condition; it's actually more complicated than that. The seven domains of a woman’s health are important as an integration of her sense of wellness. Women's health expert Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , talks about women's health through the lens of physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, environmental, and spiritual health—the seven domains...

Atrial fibrillation and stroke, are they related and can it be treated? Dr. Tom Miller talks to Stroke Specialist Dr. Dana Dewitt about diagnosis, treatment options, new medicines, and whether aspirin is a viable treatment option.

The annual pelvic exam has been routinely performed on American women for decades. Controversy over the effectiveness vs. the “embarrassment factor” has recently taken center stage. Dr. Kirtly Jones re-examines the necessity of the procedure. She discusses who really needs a pelvic exam, how often and options for women that may choose to decline.

OBGYN Dr. Kirtly Jones reveals the alarming statistics that characterize the current state of maternal safety in the United States compared to other developed countries. Unplanned pregnancies, obesity, and income inequality all play a role. Dr. Jones talks about why we need to do a better job protecting our most vulnerable.

Advancements in the treatment of cataracts tailor the procedure to better fit individual patients. Dr. Craig Chaya from the Moran Eye Center talks about how these options can improve quality of life. He also gives some details about what promising technologies lie on the horizon.

Not every child responds to appendectomy in the same way. Through careful examination of practices once considered routine, Dr. David Skarda has been able to adjust some protocols to better-fit individual patients and standardize others to generate cost savings. This win-win model may be adopted for many procedures as hospitals strive to improve the value of care.

Sunscreens range in prices, but Dr. Doug Grossman from Huntsman Cancer Institute cautions against scrimping on sun protection products. Find out what products are best and why, as he compares sunblock products head-to-head.

A broken bone in the wilderness can quickly shift from a painful inconvenience to a serious emergency. Scott Youngquist, MD , from University of Utah Health's Emergency Department, explains how to manage fractures when definitive care is out of reach. Learn how to splint for comfort, minimize further injury, and make the right call when deciding whether to move or wait for help.

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong neurological condition that once meant a grim prognosis—but not anymore. Tom Miller, MD , talks to neurologist Dana Dewitt, MD , about how early diagnosis, advanced imaging, and modern medications can slow progression and preserve quality of life. Learn about the treatments, what symptoms to watch for, and how specialized MS care helps patients live well and stay i...

Sunburns are not just uncomfortable—they are a sign of real skin damage that starts in childhood and can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares how to prevent sunburns with proper sunscreen use, when to seek shade, and why babies and fair-skinned children need extra protection. If your child already has a burn, learn the safest, most effective ways...

Health care delivered in teams is better care, more efficient and makes for happier patients. But we can’t expect health professionals to work as teams if we don’t train them as teams, says the University of Utah’s new interprofessional education director, Rebecca Wilson, Ph. D.