Health and Wellness Show - The Scope Radio

In the United States, there are two breeds of poisonous spiders to be worried about: the black widow and the brown recluse. We’ve all heard horror stories about these creepy creatures, but what really happens if you get bit by one? And what can doctors do about it? Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen shares the surprisingly non-lethal symptoms of a spider bite.

Is it safe to travel while you're pregnant? Should you be taking a car, train or bus? Dr. Jennifer Feige from University of Utah Health shares three things you should consider before you go on that next trip while pregnant to make sure both Mom and baby are safe.

On this episode of Seven Questions for a Specialist, The Scope speaks with Dr. David Smart, a dermatologist at University of Utah Health. What is the best and worst thing for your skin? How can you keep your face looking young and healthy? Dr. Smart answers these questions and more.

For individuals with both addiction and chronic pain, it’s been common practice to treat one before the other, rather than treating both at the same time. Psychologist Dr. Mark Ilgen from the University of Michigan talks about a new approach that combines behavioral therapy and social support to help chronic pain patients manage both their pain and addiction.

Preschool is a big step for your child—and you—it can be an emotional time for everyone involved. How you approach the transition as a parent can have a big impact on your child’s success. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares some tips on how you can help your child start this big milestone in a happy and successful way.

Maybe it’s some redness on your skin. Maybe a small cut has become inflamed. Maybe an ingrown hair has become a little more worrisome. Is your skin infection something to worry about and when should you seek immediate care? Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the symptoms you should be on the lookout for in case a skin infection becomes life-threatening.

If your newborn isn’t taking to your breast milk, could she be allergic? According to Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones, the chances are very low. Dr. Jones goes through the few situations in which a baby is seemingly “allergic” to Mom’s breast milk and offers ways you can help her overcome them.

Knees, elbows and other joints can sometimes make popping noises. Is it something to worry about? Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Greis, says, generally, no. However, a popping noise associated with pain could indicate a problem. Find out how a physician might diagnose a popping knee.

A genetic test can reveal a person's vulnerability to cancer or other potential health risks. A genetic counselor is someone who administers genetic testing and consults with patients about how to interpret their test results. Whitney Espinel, a genetic counselor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, talks about the process of taking a genetic test—including discussing medical and family history—and explains what the screening results may mean for family members.

Most of us know having high cholesterol is generally a bad thing. But what exactly is cholesterol? It’s not only a major signpost for your overall health, but it can lead to heart attack or stroke. Dr. Tom Miller from University of Utah Health explains what cholesterol is, breaks down the numbers, and tells you why it matters to your and your loved ones’ health.

Are you concerned about whether your child is getting enough nutrients from the food she eats? Should you add a gummy vitamin or a supplement drink to her diet? The answer might surprise you. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner has the scoop on children's supplements.

Helmets are a vital piece of safety equipment for many activities and may save your life. But we may be depending on helmets a little too much. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen shares some of his first-hand experiences with helmet safety from the ER. He reminds listeners to still play it smart when it comes to safety, even if you're wearing a helmet.

Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones speaks to Dr. Gwen McMillin, medical director of toxicology at ARUP Laboratories, about managing drug abuse in mothers and newborns. Find out how drugs can be tested and detected, and learn the harmful effects that some popular drugs—such as opioids and marijuana—can have on young babies. Also, learn what alternatives a pregnant woman may utilize to lessen the harmful effects to newborn babies.

People may often see little moving proteins—called floaters—in their eyes. Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Zaugg explains what floaters are, why they occur, and why they generally occur more in older people. He'll also tells you some tips for managing floaters.

Playgrounds are great for kids and parents. It lets your children get rid some of their seemingly endless energy and a chance to socialize with others. But sometimes kids don’t quite get along. As a parent, what should you do when your child encounters difficult children who may not let them play or tease them? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner from University of Utah Health shares a few simple strategies you can use to help your child build the social and emotional skills to help themselves when “playground politics” get out of hand.

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication when an infection spreads to the bloodstream. It’s not too common for most people, but at-risk patients might not even realize the infection has spread. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains the complication of sepsis, how to tell if you might be at risk and how to identify signs that you should get to the hospital immediately.

Long hours, a challenging environment and various health care system-induced pressures can cause burnout among physicians. Dr. Tony Tsai, director of education strategy at the University of Utah School of Medicine, says doctors can overcome burnout in a number of ways, such as creating meaning for themselves. Learn some other strategies that physicians can focus on to avoid burnout and stay resilient in their practice.

Thirty percent of women ages 40-50 have an overactive bladder: more bathroom breaks during the day, urgent trips waking you up at night. According to women’s specialist Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones, there are a few reasons for an overactive bladder, but this is normal. Find out what could be causing your frequent trips to the bathroom and how to reduce your need to go.

A common question people may ask is whether a bone fracture will heal itself or if it needs to be treated by a doctor. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Haller says it depends on the severity. Some broken bones require an operation, whereas others simply need a cast. Find out ways to identify a possible fracture and whether or not you should seek treatment.

On this episode of Seven Questions for a Specialist, The Scope speaks with Dr. Chris Peters, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement at University of Utah Health. Get a taste of his humorous approach to orthopedics and find out exactly why marathon runners make him cringe.