The Scope

Back pain is a very common health issue that can significantly impact your life. When that condition becomes chronic, there is no simple answer to treatment. Graham Wagner, MD , explains the many treatment strategies available for back pain, why each patient's pain treatment may be different, and when surgery may be a viable path for relief.

Sexual assault is the only violent crime in Utah that has a higher incident rate than the national average. But, many survivors may feel hesitant or unsafe seeking medical help. Women's health expert Kirtly Jones , MD, talks with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Haley Lichtie, from Wasatch Forensic Nurses , about the comprehensive evaluation process and essential care provided following a...

Is it normal childhood behavior or could it be ADHD? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , delves into why ADHD diagnosis often goes beyond the scope of a pediatrician's role in a traditional well-visit and underscores the importance of referral to a pediatric behavioral specialist. She shares some advice for parents who suspect their child may have ADHD and learn how to seek appropriate assistance.

When hip or shoulder pain disrupts your life, the cause could be a labral tear. But what does that mean? Orthopedic surgeon Stephen Aoki, MD, breaks down what a labral tear is, how this injury happens, and the treatment options available as well as when surgery may be the next best step.

Receiving a diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be upsetting and confusing, especially if a doctor suggests that a patient wait to see how the cancer progresses before pursuing any specific treatment. Surgical oncologist Jason Hunt, MD , explains what a patient should do after they receive a thyroid cancer diagnosis, explores various treatment options available from surgery to radiation therapy, and u...

It is Sunday morning, your molar is throbbing, and your dentist is nowhere to be found. Do you ride it out, head to urgent care, or make a beeline for the ER? Emergency physician Jeffrey Druck, MD , lays out when a toothache is just a painful inconvenience—and when it signals something more serious, like a spreading infection. Learn the red flags to watch for, and why the ER is not always your bes...

When the room starts to spin, and you feel disoriented and unsteady, it is natural to wonder if a trip to the ER is necessary. Emergency room physician Jeffrey Druck, MD , weighs the crucial risk factors that should be taken into account when evaluating whether to seek immediate medical assistance when you feel dizzy.

HIPEC surgery is a promising treatment option for patients with certain abdominal cancers. Surgical oncologist Erin Ward, MD , discusses which patients would be best candidates for HIPEC, explains why the use of heated chemotherapy can lead to improved results, and walks through the procedure and recovery.

In the field of reconstructive surgery, free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) is a transformative procedure that restores movement for patients with facial paralysis. Surgeon Robert Texeira, MD , breaks down the intricacies of FFMT, exploring who makes an ideal candidate and the results one can expect. Whether you or a loved one are considering this procedure, learn about the potential of FFMT in...

It is a classic scenario: you step on a rusty nail, panic sets in, and you start wondering if you are one tetanus shot away from disaster. Emergency physician Jeffrey Druck, MD , explains why most minor punctures do not require an ER visit, when to consider urgent care instead, and how your vaccination status plays a key role.

What do you need to know about pediatric OB care and how doctors can address gynecological issues in children? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , clarifies common misconceptions and sheds light on the scope and limitations of general pediatricians. Learn about the types of gynecological issues that pediatricians can manage and when it's necessary to consult a pediatric gynecologist for specialized c...

The current ADHD medication shortage can be a cause of concern for many patients and their families. Anthony May, PharmD, pharmacy director at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, discusses the reasons behind the shortage and provides alternatives and strategies for patients from a pharmacist's perspective. Learn how to manage your ADHD symptoms during this challenging time, ensure continuity of care...

If you or a loved one has a history of smoking, screening for lung cancer is important for prevention for the disease. Updated guidelines released in 2021 have expanded which patients should be screened. Thomas Varghese Jr., MD , discusses the new guidelines, explains who should consider getting screened for lung cancer, and outlines what to expect during the screening.

Facing challenges with your child's behavior? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , provides expert guidance on how to differentiate between normal childhood misbehavior and genuine behavioral concerns. Learn when to seek professional help from a mental health specialist and when the issue may actually be a result of parenting approaches. Equip yourself with the knowledge to better understand and suppo...

Are your daughter's periods causing her pain? It's essential for parents to understand what's normal and what's not when it comes to menstrual pain in young girls. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down the common causes of painful periods, discusses what symptoms to look for that may indicate a more serious issue, and provides tips on how parents can help their daughters manage the pain.

How can parents distinguish between typical teenage behavior and signs of more serious mental health issues? Jessica Holzbauer, LCSW , shares her insights on recognizing normal developmental changes, identifying warning signs of mental health concerns, and how parents can support and seek help for their teens during these challenging years. Empower yourself with knowledge and guidance to navigate...

What value does an academic medical center like University of Utah Health bring to the community? That's the question explored by Michael Good, MD , from University of Utah Health and David J. Skorton, MD , from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) . Dr. Skorton talks about the importance of academic medical centers in delivering top-quality medical care, conducting cutting-edge res...

As a busy parent, it's easy to let your child's routine doctor appointments slip through the cracks. But skipping or missing those check-ups can have consequences for your child's health—and prevent other kids from receiving care. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains the importance of keeping those appointments and why canceling and rescheduling is always a better option than simply not showi...

If you're apprehensive about getting an intravitreal injection for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you're not alone. Ophthalmologist Monika Fleckenstein, MD , explains the procedure, how it can improve your vision, and why it's a safe and common option that can save your sight. Overcome your fears and feel confident about your AMD treatment.

There are around 6,000 pediatric ER visits for button battery ingestion every year in the United States. If you even suspect your child may have swallowed a button battery, take them to the emergency room immediately for surgery. Ingesting a battery can cause severe and potentially permanent damage to a child’s esophagus or digestive tract in as little as two hours. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD...

Hydrogen peroxide might be the first thing you grab when treating a wound in order to help disinfect it. While the sometimes-painful bubbling is definitely sanitizing the area, it’s also destroying healthy tissue. ER physician and wound specialist Troy Madsen, MD , explains why hydrogen peroxide is such a bad idea for first aid and the best way to clean and treat a wound to keep it from getting in...

Wounds can typically take anywhere from two weeks to two months to heal, depending on the type and severity of the injury. If your wound is taking significantly longer to heal than expected, it may be time to see a medical professional. University of Utah Health emergency physician Troy Madsen, MD , also cares for patients at a chronic wound center. He explains what can cause a chronic wound to no...

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes muscles to contract involuntarily, often leading to repetitive or twisting movements in different parts of the body. While the condition is not typically painful, the involuntary movements can really impact a person's daily life, but there are treatment options available. University of Utah Health neurologist and movement disorder specialist Panagiotis K...

One in five women in the U.S. will have a stroke in their lifetime, according to the American Stroke Association. That means 55,000 more women than men will suffer a stroke each year. Stroke specialist Jana Wold, MD , explains why women are more likely to experience a stroke and the steps you can take to minimize your risk.

To get the most health benefit, adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, three to five days a week. But a new study shows evidence that as little as two to three minutes of activity a day can lead to real health improvements for people currently doing little to no activity. Troy Madsen, MD , explains the research and what it could mean for patients.