The Scope Radio

You’ve decided to take responsibility for your family’s birth control and get a vasectomy. As a man, you may understandably have some concerns about the procedure. Urologist Dr. Alex Pastuszak talks through every step of the surgery, from start to finish, to help relieve any fears or concerns you may have.

Frostbite can be a serious hazard during the freezing cold winter months. Frostbite usually affects the ends of your fingers, toes, or the tip of your nose. On today's Health Minute, emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains the importance of recognizing frostbite, and how to properly warm your frozen appendages while you seek medical attention.

One of the more common home remedies for a sore throat is gargling salt water. Is this actually true? Dr. Tom Miller discusses whether or not this folk remedy is useful and examines a few other possible ways to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.

Sometimes you can't visit your doctor, but a physician assistant most likely is available. Patients often wonder whether PAs are just as qualified as regular doctors. On this Health Minute, Dr. Jennifer Coombs, Ph.D, explains why PAs are qualified, and why patients often say they're just as satisfied with a PA's care.

Learn more about this health topic in the full-length interview.

Anyone who has had back pain—and that’s nearly all of us—knows how debilitating it can be. Even more frustrating is that for many, that pain comes back, again and again, no matter what they try. Julie Fritz, Ph.D., associate dean for research in the College of Health talks about what makes back pain, and back pain treatment, different. She explains why the way to make progress is to match the right methods—be it physical therapy, mindfulness, or a combination of approaches—to the right person.

It’s nearly the end of January. How’s that exercise or diet resolution going? Not so well? Don’t give up. Nick Galli, a health coach at University of Utah Health, discusses common difficulties you may face with major lifestyle changes and a few helpful tips to get your health goals back on track.

Dealing with a terminal illness is hard. Discussing end-of-life care is important to make sure you and your loved ones know exactly what is important with the time they have left. How do you start talking about end-of-life care and make sure wishes are met? On today's Health Minute, Dr. Anna Beck with Huntsman Cancer Institute shares three goals that should be discussed and how to start the difficult conversation.

Learn more about this health topic in the full-length interviewer.

There is currently no formal law regulating dietary supplements in the United States. On Health Minute, Dr. Erin Fox shares what you should be looking for on that vitamin bottle to make sure you’re really getting what you paid for and keep yourself safe when shopping for supplements.

Parents worry, naturally. "Is my child developing normally?" "Why isn't my child eating?" "Will eating carrots improve my child's eyesight?" As The Healthy Kids Zone celebrates five years, Dr. Cindy Gellner goes through her list of top five children's health topics that parents should know about before bringing their child in to see the pediatrician.

Nosebleeds can sometimes be difficult to stop. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says the fastest way to stop nosebleeds is to pinch the soft part of the nose shut. On today's Health Minute, learn what to do if the nosebleed still won't stop.