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ORGAN DONATION MYTH DEBUNKED

An organ donation from a single person can save the lives of up to eight other people. But one of the reasons that keep people from becoming a donor is the misconception that once doctors know you’re a donor, they are less likely to try and save your life. On this “Health Minute,” Dr. Jeffrey Campsen, organ transplant surgeon at University of Utah Health, explains the protections in place for an organ donor.

Click here to listen to the full interview or read the transcript below.

Announcer: “The Health Minute” produced by University of Utah Health.

Interviewer: Being an organ donor is a good thing. But for some people, checking that “yes” box still can be kind of tough. Organ transplant surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Campsen, why do you think some people choose not to donate?

Campsen: Well, I think there’s a myth that if you check that box, you won’t get the same care in the ICU as if you didn’t check that box, and that’s just not true. There are three layers of protection against that: one at the national level called UNOS, one at the local level called the OPO, and these have rules and regulations that protect organ donation. And finally, the most important is that your ICU doctor is not affiliated or has any investment in your transplant center. Therefore, they only take care of you. Now, if you are pronounced brain-dead, they uphold the fact that you checked that box and allow you to go and donate your organs.

Interviewer: But otherwise, the quality of care is not affected in any way?

Campsen: There’s no change in care.

Announcer: To find out more about this and other health and wellness topics, visit thescoperadio.com.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][bs_well size=”lg”]

ER OR NOT: FOOD STUCK IN YOUR THROAT
You have a piece of food stuck in your throat. Maybe a piece of steak you didn’t chew well enough. It isn’t blocking your airway, but it’s definitely not going anywhere anytime soon. Should you go to the ER? Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen tells us when that lodged bit of food is an emergency and shares a surprising at-home remedy to try.

Listen to the full story here.

i’m tired all the time — am i normal?
For some women, waking up in the morning can be a real struggle, even if they think they had a good night’s rest. Majority of people sleep less than the amount they actually need and feeling tired the next day is normal. But just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s good for your health. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks about things that could be disrupting your sleep, making you think you’re getting a full eight hours when in fact, you’re not.

Click here to listen to the full story.

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