The Scope Radio

Falling is the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults. One-third of people 65 or older will sustain an injury from falling, and those that fall are three times more likely to do so again in the same year. Dr. Natalie Sanders from the Faint and Fall Clinic at the University of Utah says that while falling is common in older adults, it is not something that just happens – it needs to be treated as a health crisis. On this episode of The Scope, Dr. Sanders explains the dangers that can come from a fall and what precautions you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe as they get older.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerve roots in the back. It’s caused by age-related wear and tear or congenital factors in younger people. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Darrel Brodke talks about this painful spinal condition and how physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, can be used to bring relief to patients.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerve roots in the back. It’s caused by age-related wear and tear or congenital factors in younger people. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Darrel Brodke talks about this painful spinal condition and how physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, can be used to bring relief to patients.

One of the most common reasons for a child to visit a physician is an ear infection. Many parents bring their children to the doctor because the child has been pulling on their ear. Is this because of an ear infection? What are the symptoms of an ear infection? Dr. Cindy Gellner stops by to discuss the possible symptoms of an ear infection and when it's time to go to the doctor.

One of the most common reasons for a child to visit a physician is an ear infection. Many parents bring their children to the doctor because the child has been pulling on their ear. Is this because of an ear infection? What are the symptoms of an ear infection? Dr. Cindy Gellner stops by to discuss the possible symptoms of an ear infection and when it's time to go to the doctor.

Surgical site infections are fairly common after an operation. Even with the sterile environment and clean tools, infections can happen. These infections can be treatable and are fairly low risk if they are dealt with quickly. Dr. Troy Madsen shares what these infections look like, and when to contact a doctor. He also discusses treatments and how to take care of yourself if you develop an infection.

Nearly anyone who has worked in research is familiar with the frustrating scenario: a postdoc leaves for another job, and with him goes all sorts of valuable knowledge. It’s become loud and clear that results from many published scientific studies are unreliable. While ethical violations like fraud clearly contribute to the problem, so does a seemingly more benign and much more common issue, poor data management. Darell Schmick, research librarian at the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah, describes scenarios that could happen as a result of poor data management, and ways to overcome them. Learn more at the upcoming Research Reproducibility Conference.

Surgical site infections are fairly common after an operation. Even with the sterile environment and clean tools, infections can happen. These infections can be treatable and are fairly low risk if they are dealt with quickly. Dr. Troy Madsen shares what these infections look like, and when to contact a doctor. He also discusses treatments and how to take care of yourself if you develop an infection.

Nearly anyone who has worked in research is familiar with the frustrating scenario: a postdoc leaves for another job, and with him goes all sorts of valuable knowledge. It’s become loud and clear that results from many published scientific studies are unreliable. While ethical violations like fraud clearly contribute to the problem, so does a seemingly more benign and much more common issue, poor data management. Darell Schmick, research librarian at the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah, describes scenarios that could happen as a result of poor data management, and ways to overcome them. Learn more at the upcoming Research Reproducibility Conference.

It’s like a scene straight out of a movie. A woman has gone into labor on her way to the hospital. The baby is coming now, and you are the only one who can help. But don’t. Just don’t. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones tells bystanders to “keep their hands to themselves.” She also has advice for anyone who finds themselves in this scenario and what few things you can do to assist the mother while she delivers her baby.

It’s like a scene straight out of a movie. A woman has gone into labor on her way to the hospital. The baby is coming now, and you are the only one who can help. But don’t. Just don’t. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones tells bystanders to “keep their hands to themselves.” She also has advice for anyone who finds themselves in this scenario and what few things you can do to assist the mother while she delivers her baby.

Having a sensitive tooth is a pretty common problem, but what does it mean? Teeth that are sensitive to cold are the most common and could be caused by receding gums. Having teeth that are sensitive to heat, is more of a serious concern. Dr. David Okano shares what sensitive teeth mean, what causes sensitive teeth, and how to treat the problem.

Having a sensitive tooth is a pretty common problem, but what does it mean? Teeth that are sensitive to cold are the most common and could be caused by receding gums. Having teeth that are sensitive to heat, is more of a serious concern. Dr. David Okano shares what sensitive teeth mean, what causes sensitive teeth, and how to treat the problem.

Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough. It is an extremely infectious bacteria that can lead to a violent, nasty cough that just will not seem to go away. Luckily, the DTaP vaccine has successfully eradicated most cases in children. However, according Dr. Tom Miller, as we get older, our immunity to the disease wanes and we can become susceptible in adulthood. Dr. Miller talks about pertussis, how you can catch it and how important it is to make sure you get your adult booster shots.

Under current guidelines, a systolic blood pressure reading between 140-150 is considered healthy. A national trial completed in late 2015, however, showed that reducing systolic blood pressure to around 120 can have significant benefits for the elderly, including a reduced chance of heart disease and a 32 percent drop in mortality rates. Dr. Mark Supiano, executive director of the University of Utah Center on Aging, joins The Scope to talk about the new guidelines and how patients can work with their doctor to lower their blood pressure.