The Scope

Therapy is not a last resort—it is often the best first step for children with anxiety, mood changes, or behavior concerns. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why early support matters, how therapy can work even when medications are not an option, and what families should expect from a realistic treatment plan. Get practical advice on screening, choosing therapy styles, navigating insurance,...

A gestational diabetes diagnosis is manageable—and early action makes a difference. Michelle Debbink, MD , talks with Kirtly Jones, MD , about how elevated sugars affect fetal growth and delivery, what to expect from care plans, and the simple daily habits that help most pregnancies stay on track. Get clear guidance on meal planning, label reading, movement, and when medication helps, along with w...

Your doctor should not just be someone you see when you are sick—they should be your health advocate. John Barrett, MD , chair of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at University of Utah Health, explains how having a trusted primary care clinician helps you navigate a complex health care system, manage screenings, and coordinate care when new concerns arise. Learn how a simple wellne...

For many men with prostate cancer, weeks of daily treatments are no longer the norm. Jonathan Tward, MD , a radiation oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute , explains how image guidance, real-time motion tracking, and AI-assisted treatment planning allow highly precise therapy—often in just one to five sessions. Learn how this technology helps protect bowel, bladder, and sexual function while ma...

Ten minutes with your child's teacher can reveal more than grades—it can surface early signs of anxiety, attention issues, or social struggles. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , discusses how to prep and what to ask so you can spot learning delays, behavior red flags, and "mental milestones" like focus, frustration tolerance, and peer relationships. Learn how to review sleep, screens, and schoolwor...

Many parents link fevers, diarrhea, and even ear pulling to teething. But are those symptoms actually related? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down what teething does and does not cause, along with how to tell when your baby's fussiness might be connected to more than just new teeth.

Stress is part of everyday life, from work deadlines to family responsibilities. But when the tension does not fade—even when the stressor is gone—it may be a sign of something more serious. Jason Hunziker, MD , chief of adult psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, explains how stress and anxiety overlap. He discusses how anxiety can persist, disrupt sleep, and interfere with relationship...

Nearly 75% of pregnant women will face gum problems at some point, and the consequences can go beyond tooth loss. Daniel Thunell, DDS , explains how pregnancy hormones change your body’s response to bacteria and why gum care matters for both mother and child. Learn the safest times for treatment, the symptoms to watch for, and how prioritizing your own oral health helps protect your baby.

For decades, parents have blamed sugar for their children's wild energy—but research tells a different story. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains how placebo studies, parental expectations, and social cues contribute to the myth. She also shares smart strategies for managing sugar in your child's diet while promoting healthy habits.

Whether you are speaking to loved ones, leading a classroom, or taking calls at work, your voice is one of the most important tools you use to connect with the world. Marisa Ryan, MD , a voice and airway specialist, explains how to recognize strain, avoid harmful habits, and keep your voice clear and resilient for years to come.

Richmond Doxey, MD, breaks down what it means to be an internist and how culinary medicine empowers patients to make real, lasting changes. He dispels the most common nutrition myth and discusses how to overcome discouragement while focusing on what you are doing right to achieve better health outcomes.

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.