The Scope

From forgotten lunches to last-minute outfit debates, school mornings can be challenging. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares strategies to make them smoother, including setting up backpacks the night before, limiting screen time until after school, and sending kids off with a positive goodbye. These habits can help kids start the day on time and ready to learn.

Preparing for the new school year means a lot more than just buying school supplies. From medication forms and updated vaccines to vision checks and sleep routines, pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares a comprehensive checklist to help parents make sure their kids are physically and emotionally ready to return to the classroom. Learn how to take action now and prevent a last-minute scramble lat...

The Mediterranean diet is not a trend—it is one of the most studied and effective eating patterns in the world. Richmond Doxey, MD , an internist and culinary medicine specialist, explains how this diet lowers cholesterol, improves brain function, and even reduces inflammation. Learn simple, practical steps you can take to start eating healthier without overhauling your entire lifestyle.

Fluoride does more than just prevent cavities—it actually strengthens teeth before they even come in. James Bekker, DMD , a pediatric dentist at University of Utah Health, explains how fluoride delivered during a child’s formative years hardens tooth enamel, reduces decay, and prevents painful dental problems later in life. Learn why timing matters and how parents can ensure their children get the...

Nearly half of all adults have some form of gum disease—and it is not just affecting your teeth. Daniel Thunell, DMD , board-certified periodontist at University of Utah Health, explains the research that links gum disease to major health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and even pregnancy complications. Learn how inflammation in your mouth could impact your long-term wellness—an...

When vocal cords or airways stop working as they should, daily life becomes a struggle. Voice specialist Marisa Ryan, MD , discusses how she helps patients overcome issues with speaking, breathing, and swallowing. She also shares the most common mistakes that people make when trying to protect their voice.

Stress isn’t always the enemy. It can push us to perform, focus, and grow—if we give our minds and bodies time to recover. Jason Hunziker, MD , division chief of adult psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, explains the difference between productive stress and chronic, damaging stress. Learn how to recognize when your stress crosses the line from helpful to harmful and explore daily strat...

When your baby feels warm, it does not always mean they have a fever. A baby's age and how you take their temperature matter more than you think. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why certain thermometers are more reliable than others, when to use rectal vs temporal scans, and how to interpret different readings depending on your child’s age.

Seeing high cholesterol on your lab report can be overwhelming, but the next steps do not have to be. Richmond Doxey, MD , an internist and culinary medicine specialist, explains how doctors tailor cholesterol management based on each patient's health, habits, and risk factors. Learn how small lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and—when needed—medications can work together to reduce your risk...

Kelly Trythall, PA-C , a physician assistant in ear, nose, and throat care at University of Utah Health, talks about why you should stop using Q-tips, what makes a great ENT provider, and the most common mistake people make when treating sinus or cold symptoms at home.

Feeling constantly overwhelmed, even after the stressor is gone? You might be skipping a crucial step that your body needs to recover. Psychologist Megan Call, PhD , explains the three stages of the stress response cycle and why most people never complete it. From physical activity to creative expression, learn seven proven strategies to return your body and mind to a true resting state.

Newborns cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths either—so even a little mucus can sound dramatic. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares what is normal when it comes to newborn sneezing and snorting, how to use saline and suction safely, and when to check in with your pediatrician.

Once scoliosis curves reach a certain size, they can continue to worsen, leading to pain, breathing problems, and heart strain later in life. Pediatric surgeon Joel Turtle, MD, PhD , explains how surgery can stop this progression and what options exist to preserve flexibility. From diagnosis to recovery, learn how specialists help kids with scoliosis return to a full, active life.

Voice changes that linger can be easy to brush off—until they start interfering with daily life. Marisa Ryan, MD , voice specialist at University of Utah Health, discusses the causes of vocal cord nodules, how to recognize early signs, and why ignoring them could lead to more serious issues. Learn why your voice matters and how non-surgical treatments can help you heal and protect it.

Phantom limb pain affects nearly 40 percent of amputees, often persisting despite medications and therapy. Reconstructive surgeon Shaun Mendenhall, MD , outlines why surgical techniques are now recommended. Learn when to consider these procedures, who qualifies, and why timing can make all the difference.

Dentist James Bekker, DDS , discusses the everyday habits that can make or break your oral health. Find out why soda is worse than candy, how dental health impacts diabetes and heart disease, and the best ways to prevent that dreaded “we need to pull your tooth” conversation.

A mental health crisis does not always require a hospital bed, but it does require compassion and professional support. Natalie McClintock, LCSW , shares how the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center offers immediate help—no appointment or referral needed. From anxiety and depression to active psychosis, this walk-in facility provides up to 23 hours of care in a safe, warm envir...

By age 35, your bones are as strong as they are going to get—what you do before and after matters. Kirtly Jones, MD , breaks down what it takes to build and maintain healthy bones throughout life. From adolescence to aging, she explains how hormones, physical activity, and even soda habits affect bone density. Learn why osteoporosis is more than just an "old person's problem" and what actions you...

A persistent clogged or muffled feeling in the ears can be frustrating—and sometimes even concerning. Kelly Trythall, PA-C , an ear, nose, and throat specialist at University of Utah Health, explains what might be behind that plugged-ear sensation. Whether it is earwax, eustachian tube issues, jaw tension, or even hearing loss, different treatment options can provide lasting relief. Learn what ste...

You took too much medication—or someone you love might have—and now you are not sure what to do. Some overdoses can seem mild at first but quickly turn dangerous. Emergency physician Michael Moss, MD , explains which symptoms mean you need to call 911 right away, when the Poison Center can help, and why waiting it out is a risk you should not take.

Physical therapist Meredith Grady, PT , discusses the often-overlooked physical and emotional recovery after childbirth. Learn what new moms should expect in the weeks following delivery, how to care for your pelvic floor, and why the bounce-back mentality is due for retirement.

Most people do not realize their bones are weakening until they experience a fracture. For women, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly after menopause due to the drop in estrogen. But bone loss does not begin at 65. In fact, it can start decades earlier. Kirtly Jones, MD , explores the biology behind bone density decline and why early action is critical. She explains what puts certain...

Irritability, a lack of focus, and difficulty unplugging are not always just typical teen behavior—they could be signs of digital overstimulation. Magenta Silberman, PhD , shares how social media affects emotional regulation, sleep, and attention span in youth and what caregivers can do to support balance. Find out what healthy limits look like and how to start meaningful conversations about digit...

Crises do not wait for appointments—and neither does the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team . Claudine Miller, LCSW, explains how this two-person team meets individuals in crisis anywhere in the community, whether at home, work, or even in the park. Learn how this no-cost, judgment-free service is helping Utahns avoid unnecessary ER visits and navigate moments of crisis with real-time, compassionate care...

You do not need to be suicidal or in psychosis to be in crisis. A mental health crisis can mean overwhelming anxiety, grief that would not lift, or a stretch of time when functioning feels impossible. Natalie McClintock, LCSW , describes the many faces of crisis and introduces a new option for Utahns seeking help—the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center . Designed to be an alte...