The Scope Radio

Chronic tendon injuries affecting shoulders, elbows and knees have long been hard to treat. But, beyond rest, stretching and icing, physicians have developed new treatment techniques in recent years, including ultrasound, stem-cell therapies and specialized needle procedures. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Nick Monson, an orthopedics and sports medicine physician, about how these new procedures can help heal tendon injuries. 

Teething can be a fussy and difficult time for babies and their parents. But some over-the-counter teething tablets contain a homeopathic product — belladonna — that can make your child sick. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why these teething tablets, or gels, are bad for toddlers and suggests some simpler, and safer, alternatives.

In one way or another, you find yourself punctured with a freshly sharpened No. 2 pencil. There might even be a bit of a dark spot from the graphite underneath the skin. Are you in danger of lead poisoning? Should you go to the emergency room immediately? On this episode of ER or Not, Dr. Troy Madsen settles your childhood fears about pencil-related injuries.

While incidence of childhood asthma has doubled in the last 20 years, Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says some studies suggest eating cold-water fish could be a way for pregnant mothers to help their children avoid asthma. Find out how some of these studies were conducted with pregnant mothers and fish oil, and learn some practical tips for including more fish oil in your diet.

If you unexpectedly need to care for a hospitalized family member or friend and you need a place to stay in Salt Lake City, University Health Care offers a variety of affordable, clean and friendly lodging options. Adrienne Wilson, lodging manager at University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, talks about the many comfort services available for patients and their families and friends.

A broken collarbone, or clavical, is a common sports injury and, traditionally, people let the break heal naturally. But, sometimes, surgery is best to maintain shoulder functionality and avoid later discomfort. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Bruce Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon, about what scenarios might warrant surgery to help heal a broken clavical.

Your child may want to take his or her smartphone or tablet to bed. But is it a good idea? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says using a mobile device before bed reduces sleep time for kids, which can disrupt sleep quality and quantity. Learn more about what parents should know before allowing mobile devices at bedtime.

Were you out in the cold a little too long? Do you worry you might have frostbite? Emergency room physician Troy Madsen says frostbite is a reason to go to the ER because you may risk losing a finger or toe. Learn the symptoms of frostbite and how it's treated.

A recent study by JAMA Internal Medicine finds that older people with female doctors generally have lower mortality and hospital readmission rates. Women’s health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says after a closer look, the study found only a slight difference for patients whose doctors were either male or female. But she suggests women doctors tend to practice physician care differently than male doctors. Find out what some of these differences are.

Too much of one exercise, like running, can be unhealthy. That's why sports medicine physician Dr. Nick Monson says runners should do other exercises in addition to running, like biking, swimming or weightlifting. He says people who have a balanced exercise regime experience fewer injuries. Learn some specific things that runners can do to keep themselves balanced.

When injuries occur, patients may have choices for different trauma centers to visit. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Haller about what a Level I trauma center is and why he recommends going to a top-level facility if one is nearby. Studies show Level I trauma centers provide better outcomes even for simpler injuries and are often better equipped and more cost-effective when treating sudden injuries.

Sometimes the toys your child might find in a waiting room, or elsewhere, may not be safe. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner offers tips for how to identify which toys are safe and which ones you should inspect to ensure they're safe and clean. Choking hazards are a particular risk for young children. Hear some other tips for keeping your kids safe with toys. 

It’s a new year, and you may be thinking of some resolutions to better your health and wellness. But general, big-picture goals like “get fit” or “eat better” may seem overwhelming. Where do you even start? Why not start small? Dr. Troy Madsen, emergency room physician at University of Utah Health, has five simple, yet specific, things you can do today that will set you on the path to a healthier you.

Is your outlook on life generally optimistic or pessimistic? Studies in recent years indicate optimistic people tend to be happier, and healthier. So what's the secret to being happy? It's no secret at all, actually, according to women’s expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones. In this episode, Dr. Jones refreshes your mind on eight points that make for living a happier and healthier life.

Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen stopped by today and told us the flu season is here and could be a bad one. He’s seen an increase in really sick patients with the flu during the past couple weeks and expects it to only get worse. We asked Dr. Madsen for the details and for what he wants people to know about staying healthy this flu season.