Heather Simonsen
Son donates part of his liver to ailing father
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted April 21 - 9:51 p.m.
Every nine minutes, another person needs an organ transplant in the United States. More than 100,000 people are on a wait list, and here in Utah, almost 900 people need organ transplants. A Taylorsville man benefited from a live donor donation.
Experts: Advance health care directives crucial at any age
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted April 15 - 10:10 p.m.
For many, the pandemic brought home the importance of planning for the unexpected. People of all ages faced serious illness that sometimes required end-of-life decisions about healthcare.
Start slow to avoid exercise injuries, physician warns
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted April 7 - 9:38 p.m.
We come out of winter hibernation ready to get outside and be active. But overdoing it can lead to springtime exercise injuries, which can set you back weeks or months from your fitness goals.
What's the secret to eating healthy on a budget? Try storing fruits and veggies properly
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted March 31 - 9:24 p.m.
It's national nutrition month and adding more fruits and veggies to your diet can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease, and prevent some types of cancer. With inflation rising, no one wants to waste food.
ICU doctor: 'There's no other system like it in the world,' of pneumonia electronic support tool
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted March 26 - 5:29 p.m.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death for contagious diseases in the United States. Though common, doctors say it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A cutting-edge tool is saving lives.
Therapist: 'Even the people you wouldn't expect are vulnerable' to self-harm
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted March 17 - 2:05 p.m.
Self-harm has become so widespread so rapidly, especially among adolescents and teens, that scientists are trying hard to keep up. It consumed a Utah mother's life for years. A therapist explains what to look for.
Utah Ukrainian refugee: 'They're hiding under their blankets at this point'
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Feb. 25 - 8:09 a.m.
Shock, horror and disbelief — tough emotions a young Ukrainian family in Utah is feeling. They recently fled their country anticipating the violence.
Study: Sensible intermittent fasting can be good for heart health
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 14 - 9:38 p.m.
Have you ever wondered how effective intermittent fasting is? The hot dieting trend may have health benefits far beyond weight loss, according to researchers.
How SMART can help you keep your New Year's Resolutions
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 6 - 9:33 p.m.
Do you feel like you're already falling short on New Year's resolutions? You're in good company. One in three Utahns won't keep those goals past the end of January, experts said.
Utah woman feels impact of seasonal affective disorder 'as soon as it gets darker'
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Brought on by darkness, seasonal depression can make everyday tasks a struggle. It's an illness that can seriously affect children this time of year, and a Utah psychiatrist explained how to recognize and treat it.
RSV spikes in Utah: How to prevent it
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 31 - 8:21 p.m.
COVID-19 isn't the only respiratory illness that's spiking in Utah. Respiratory syncytial virus can be especially hard on babies and senior citizens.
Utah nurse: 'It's what fills my cup,' working extra shifts, uniting staff during COVID-19
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 23 - 8:05 a.m.
As the pandemic rages on, frontline health care workers have braved new obstacles. A nurse at a rural Utah Hospital has gone above and beyond to motivate and uplift her coworkers.
How to mentally survive the holidays
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 17 - 5:54 p.m.
Last year, the pandemic resulted in a much quieter holiday season – for many, an unexpected silver lining with less stress and anxiety.
Never giving up on dreams: 85-year-old Holocaust refugee applies to medical school
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 17 - 3:06 p.m.
A unique student has applied for admission at the University of Utah medical school. He stood out not because of his scores on the entrance exams, but because of the year he took them.
Holiday season is a peak time for heart attacks. Here's how to stay healthy
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Dec. 2 - 10:30 p.m.
The holiday season can lead to an unwanted health risk. Heart attacks peak in December and January. A Central Utah doctor said there are simple ways to stay healthy, including taking time to wind down each day and exercising.
Home care patient says nurse is 'friend who will always be there'
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Nov. 26 - 1:15 p.m.
During the pandemic, many have expressed thanks to front-line caregivers at hospitals and clinics. But there are 2 million health care workers in the U.S. whose work isn't quite as visible.
Utah mom: 'We were gonna lose him,' after son had MIS-C
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Nov. 18 - 10:36 p.m.
Doctors at Primary Children's Hospital are co-leading a national study about a serious condition some kids get from COVID-19. A Utah family knows how devastating it can be.
New treatment helps cancer patient find success
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Nov. 12 - 3:10 p.m.
A growing treatment is finding success in the fight against cancer. Doctors say it helps a patient's own immune cells recognize and attack the disease. The procedure made all the difference for a Utah man.
Utah doctor: Smell therapy helps COVID-19 patients regain sense of smell, taste
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Nov. 11 - 8:31 p.m.
Lack of smell and taste are some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 and have affected up to 85% of patients, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Falls can cause serious injury, doctors say. Here's how to prevent them
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Nov. 4 - 10:09 p.m.
Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for people 65 and older. They often result in a lengthy recovery. An Intermountain emergency room doctor explained how to prevent them.
Utah doctor: COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in children
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Oct. 28 - 8:55 p.m.
The FDA approved the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 and recommended emergency use authorization. It could be available as soon as next week. A Utah pediatrician explains what parents should know.
Taking precautions for kids can lower exposure risk to COVID-19 this Halloween
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Oct. 21 - 10:33 p.m.
Halloween is just around the corner. But with the COVID-19 vaccine not yet available for kids under 12 years old, what precautions should parents take?
New test makes assessing breast cancer risk more precise, equitable for all women, researchers say
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Sept. 26 - 9:18 p.m.
For the first time, women of all ethnicities can get an accurate test to predict their risk of breast cancer. The new test also better pinpoints when they'll most be at risk. The new risk screening made all the difference for a Utah woman.
Utah scientists identifying genes that may increase risk of suicide
Heather Simonsen, KSL-TV | Posted Sept. 7 - 6:16 a.m.
The latest research at University of Utah Health strengthens the family link to suicide. Scientists are identifying genes that may increase risk.
