Healthy Kids Zone: Recent Episodes
The Scope, University of Utah Health
Stomach ache, headache, dizziness, and nausea are all symptoms you might hear from your child on a school day morning. The condition may even get worse as it gets closer to time for school, then miraculously become better on the weekends. It may be school phobia. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what can cause school-phobic kids to feel sick and how to cure it.
Is your young daughter complaining about pain when using the bathroom? It could be more than a urinary tract infection. Girl parts can be very sensitive, especially between the ages of potty training and puberty. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the most common causes of pain or irritation in the vagina or vulva, how to prevent them, and what treatments can provide relief to your daughter.
A majority of children will not develop 20/20 vision until they are four to six years old. During those first few years, what should parents do to make sure their kids maintain healthy vision? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains vision screening expectations during the first years of your child’s life, how to navigate school vision screening requirements, and when your child may need to see an optometrist.
Pick out the perfect toy for your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews this holiday season by knowing how it helps their physical, mental, and social development. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about the five stages of child development, what children learn during each one, and how the right toys at the right time can make a big difference.
The rate of eating disorders among children under 12 has increased by 119% since 2020. Anorexia is the third most common chronic disorder among kids, behind asthma and obesity. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what could be causing this increase and how to identify the most common red flags of potential eating disorders. She also talks about what steps can be taken to help your child get the care they need.
No one likes to be poked with a needle, whether for a vaccine or a blood draw. But for children, getting a shot at the doctor's office can be frightening and lead to some emotional outbursts. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what she does in her practice to ensure kids are not overly afraid of needles, and shares some tips for parents to get their child the medical treatment they need while avoiding a tantrum.
In adults and young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can look a lot like the common cold. But for little ones under two years old—especially preemie babies—RSV can be severe due to their still-developing respiratory systems. Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about the increase in RSV during the 2022 respiratory season, what parents need to know to keep their child safe, and what to expect if their child gets RSV.
For new parents, it can be hard to keep your child’s vaccines straight. When do they get DTAP? What is MMR? Does my child really need all of these shots? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, has the answers about vaccines for kids—from birth to college. On this episode of The Basics, learn more about recommended vaccines, when they should be received, and how to ensure your kid grows up with the maximum protection against infections.
Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviors during the first year of life. They can startle at nothing, suck at the air, cross their eyes, breathe funny, and more. New parents may be a little worried about what is and isn’t normal. Pediatrician < a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/fad/mddetail.php?physicianID=u0548562&name=cynthia-l-e-gellner">Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the most common reflexes seen in newborns and how to identify whether or not they're something worth concern.
As a parent, you’ve seen commercials saying you need to give your kid chewable vitamins or special, expensive supplement drinks for them to grow and develop properly. Do children really need supplements? Probably not. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why even the pickiest eater is probably getting enough of their daily vitamins and minerals without the need for additional supplements.
New parents may be surprised at just how often their baby cries. It is their main form of communication after all. Hungry, bored, in need of a diaper change, they will cry for many reasons - and often. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, goes over the basics of crying for parents. From newborn to teenager, learn how to understand your child’s crying and how best to respond with advice from an expert.
Many parents in the United States are scrambling to find baby formula. What are you supposed to do with a hungry baby at home and empty shelves at the store? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares how you can feed your baby and support other parents in this difficult time.
Sensory disorders in children have recently been added as an official psychiatric diagnosis and are estimated to impact as many as 15% of kids in the US. These conditions are marked by a significant sensitivity to sounds, textures, tastes, or brightness and can be quite disruptive to their behavior and development. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why these conditions are on the rise, and how a parent can identify and accommodate them.
Have you ever put a piece of clothing or jewelry on your child to have them break out in a rash or hives? It’s called contact dermatitis, and it’s more common than you may think. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the condition and how you can treat and prevent those itchy rashes your kid may get with certain materials.
In general, kids do pretty well if they catch COVID-19. But Cindy Gellner, MD, is seeing a significant number of kids experiencing symptoms from the disease for weeks if not months after the initial infection. The ongoing symptoms seem to impact children regardless of how severe their illness was. Learn more about long-haul COVID in your children and what you can do to prevent and treat the symptoms.
As a new parent, it’s important to you that your child meets all the expected developmental milestones, like walking and talking. But which milestones are backed by research, and how do you know if your kid is meeting expectations? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what the important milestones are, how to measure your child’s development, and when you should speak with a specialist.
Young kids can have all sorts of skin issues as they grow up, and Dr. Cindy Gellner, MD, and pediatrician, has seen them all. Learn the basics of diaper irritation, dry skin, eczema, and rashes that you should know as a parent and how you can treat many of them at home.
As a parent, your pediatrician can be your lifeline whenever you have a question about the health of your child. But what should you do when you have a pressing question or concern after-hours, and the clinic is closed? Cindy Gellner, MD, and pediatrician with University of Utah Health, shares the pressing circumstances when you should reach out to the on-call pediatrician and when it can wait until morning.
What formula should I give my new baby? When should I start introducing other food groups? What do I do if my child only wants to eat junk food? Parents have a lot of questions about the basics of feeding their child. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner covers The Basics.
Too much caffeine can do more than have your kids bouncing off the walls. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner provides some insight into how much caffeine children should be allowed to consume, the downsides of too much caffeine, and how to help your kids and teens to cut back.
It’s the time of year when your child gets sick over and over, and you wonder if they’ll ever be healthy again. They start to sniffle and you bundle them up to try to keep the sickness at bay. But contrary to popular belief, we don’t get sick because the weather’s too cold or because we’re not wearing the right amount of appropriate seasonal clothing. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about when, why, and how children get colds and other winter infections. She’ll also discuss when you should worry if sneezing and coughing becomes too frequent.
We often associate healthy babies with chubby babies. But obesity is becoming more and more of a problem in children. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the risks of obesity in children and why it’s important for parents to intervene before the age of 5 if they don’t want their children to be obese adults. She also talks about the physical and psychological problems that can come with obesity in children and explains exactly what parents should be paying attention to.
You’ve probably heard the old wives’ tale, “don’t let your child eat sugar, or they’ll get diabetes.” Is this true? Is it true that there is a cure for diabetes? Access to the Internet has created an explosion in information available to people, but it can be hard to tell what is true, and what isn’t. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner debunks common diabetes myths, and shares what’s true when it comes to your children.
Your teenager complains of constant dizzy spells or vertigo. Could it be a symptom of something serious? According to Dr. Cindy Gellner, dizziness is a pretty common condition—especially for adolescents. Learn more about the causes of dizziness in children and treatments that can help.
As a boy begins to mature, their body and mind go through a lot of changes. It can be tough not only for kids but for their parents too. From growth spurts - and the appetites to match - to strange smells to general moodiness, Dr. Cindy Gellner shares her expertise to prepare parents for raising a boy going through puberty.
Evidence shows that masks work at preventing the spread of COVID-19. But could wearing a mask increase the amount of carbon dioxide your kid breathes during the day? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner debunks this mask myth and explains the science behind the safe long-term use of masks—even for children.
Could your child have a learning disability? It’s a frequent question for pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner. Whether it be dyslexia, dyscalculia, or another learning disorder, identify the common signs to look for and when you should speak with your pediatrician about getting the help your child needs to succeed.
More and more research is emerging with evidence of the negative effects violent video games have on children. The most popular video games are also some of the most violent, and pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner speaks about the numerous effects they have on kids. If you notice behavioral problems and other issues with your child, video games with violence and other adult themes may be to blame. Listen to learn about the research and more.
A lot of parents are concerned about keeping their kids safe during the COVID pandemic. Parents and teenagers may be vaccinated, but younger kids are not eligible to receive the shot yet. Is it safe to let them return to playdates? Should they be wearing masks? Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses current recommendations and considerations parents should take before letting their children return to play.
Most children—especially child athletes—will complain of heel pain at some point in their development. This may be an inflammatory condition called Sever’s Disease. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why this common heel pain occurs during growth spurts and how you can help relieve your kid's foot pain.
A daughter’s first period marks her entry into womanhood. For a lot of parents—mothers in particular—this is also a time of new anxieties and concerns about their child’s health. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what’s normal, what’s not, and what to expect now that your daughter has had her menarche.
Most parents have never thought about the difficult decision of whether or not you should donate your child’s organs when the unthinkable happens. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the potential benefits of pediatric organ donation and the considerations involved in the process.
New parents may worry that their newborn will have stomach problems if she doesn't burp after feeding. But pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says not to worry: the air in your baby will find a way out. She explains symptoms associated with colic and spitting up symptoms and why new parents shouldn't worry.
Caring for the health and development of your child is a pediatrician’s top priority. This is especially true for children with a physical or developmental disability. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the expanded role for parents and the considerations you should make to find the right doctor for your child with special needs.
It can be difficult to know the cause – and cure – for abdominal pain, especially in children. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner lists some common causes of abdominal pain as well as simple home treatments for the discomfort. Some of the causes might surprise you.
Is your child constantly complaining that their feet hurt? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner goes over the signs and symptoms of flat feet in younger kids and teenagers. She talks about how to treat this condition and the one thing doctors used to recommend but don’t anymore.
With so many apps, it can be hard as a parent to keep track of all of them. If your child has a smartphone, it may be tricky to decipher what each app does. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the programs that may look harmless but are definitely not for children. Learn how to spot these dangerous apps and keep your kids safe.
Will shaving your baby's head make its hair grow thicker? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says no. On this episode of Debunking Old Wives’ Tales, Dr. Gellner highlights some common misconceptions out there about what makes a baby's hair grow and gives some real, science-based tips for caring for your baby's hair.
Most smells come from kids being active explorers and can wash off with soap, water, and teeth brushing. But what if an offensive odor doesn’t go away? Dr. Cindy Gellner goes smell by smell to identify what’s causing that stink and talks about whether you should visit your child’s pediatrician.
That constipated look your baby gives you when they can’t poop can be entertaining to look at, but can be quite painful for your baby. Luckily, painful pooping, or infant dyschezia, is a very common, normal and curable problem. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what might cause dychezia and what safe methods you can use to help your baby.
Pandemic fatigue is the mental exhaustion that comes from the sustained increase of stress and uncertainty during the global pandemic of COVID-19 and it can impact children just as much as adults. With few signs of the world returning to normal soon, how can you keep your kids spirits up? Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what she’s seeing in her young patients and strategies you can use to help your loved ones.
Does your child occasionally have discoloration on the skin beneath their eyes? It can be easy for a parent to worry, but dark circles are not a sign of anemia or a vitamin deficiency. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the most common reasons for a child’s dark circles and what a parent can do about them.
Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with a teenager, but it is too important to ignore—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teen depression, self-harm, and suicide have seen a rise as teenagers are cut off from their sense of normal. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares her personal and professional experience with suicide, and the importance of checking in with your child and helping them process what they are experiencing.
Newborns can’t always control their developing eyes and sometimes go cross-eyed. But if your child is older than two months and you notice her or his eyes looking in different directions, something else might be going on. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner describes how to tell if your child’s eyes are developing in a healthy way.
Animals can provide comfort, this is a fact. But an emotional support animal is not a pet or a service animal and requires specific training and certification. Some parents may think to request a letter from their child's pediatrician if the child has an emotional disability and a pet helps calm their symptoms—pediatrician Dr. Cindy Geller talks about the criteria for a diagnosis that qualifies your child for an emotional support animal.
Many children have in-toeing – also known as pigeon toes or duck feet – when they start growing. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why it's so common and when you should expect your child to grow out of it. However, if your child reaches a certain age and still has turned-in feet, you may want to consult a doctor.
Well-child visits are still happening, even during a global health pandemic. The good news is your doctor's office is probably one of the safest places to be during COVID-19 outside of your house. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what to expect during your child's visit, how doctors' offices are adjusting to COVID-19, and whether or not virtual well-child visits are a good alternative.
While the classroom may look different this year, school is still happening. As a parent, you worry your child might get infected if they are attending in-person classes. But if your child is remote learning, you worry they are not fully absorbing the learning materials. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how to keep both students and teachers safe—in the classroom and at home—during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Does your child’s nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It’s pretty typical for kids to hurt their nose as they play and explore. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how you should treat your child’s injured nose at home and when it’s time to go to the doctor.
Just because you're social distancing, doesn't mean you can't celebrate Halloween this year. There are a lot of fun Halloween activities you and your family can enjoy—even during a global health pandemic. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner has some dos and don'ts on how to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19.
Most adults have had a cold sore at some point—cold sores are very common. But what can you do as a parent if your child develops cold sores? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains how core sores are triggered in children and how you can prevent and treat your child’s cold sores.
For many parents, the pacifier was a godsend in helping soothe their infant—especially for those fussy late nights. But prolonged use of the binky may lead to dental problems and orthodontic work, and in some cases, even hinder speech development. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains when and why your child should stop using a pacifier and shares her strategies for getting your child off the binky for good.
Weaning a baby off a bottle is easier to talk about than to accomplish. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner acknowledges how difficult this transition can be for both toddler and parent. She shares her advice on how to switch to a sippy cup and strategies to help your child move on from the bottle.
There are many reasons children get bloody noses: allergies in the spring, summer and fall can contribute to a bloody nose, and so can the dryness of winter. As pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains, it’s the frequent rubbing and blowing of the nose that can actually lead to the bleeding. She tells parents how to treat a bloody nose at home and what to do if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Summer weather can often lead to bug bites. What do you do if your child gets bit by an insect while playing outside? From mosquito bites to a bite from a black widow, pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the most effective treatments for bug bites.
Parents know to take their kid to their pediatrician when they’re sick, but children should also be visiting regularly even when they seem healthy. Your child’s well visit is much more than just a physical. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what pediatricians are checking for during your child’s visits and why it is so important to their mental, physical and developmental health.
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors: when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why a small percent of children experience these and how you can help when it happens. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, there are some signs that it’s more serious and you should take your child to their doctor.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.2 million kids aged 12 to 17 have had a depressive episode in the last year. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what depression looks like in children and how you as a parent can help your child’s mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for many of us. This can be particularly true for mother’s who are breastfeeding and may have concerns about the health of their baby. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why breastfeeding is perfectly safe and can actually be beneficial for both baby and mom, even during a viral outbreak.
Despite what you may read on the Internet, viruses—including coronavirus—are not impacted by vitamin levels. So how can you best improve your child’s immune system? Pediatirician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why exercise, diet, and sunshine are the best ways to keep your child strong against any virus.
There can be a lot of confusions surrounding Telehealth and when to visit the doctor's office. Whether to bring your child in or not depends on your child's health condition. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what parents should do if your child gets sick during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exercise and sunshine are important, even during physical distancing. But a common concern parents may have is whether or not their kids can play outside. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the guidelines for keeping safe while playing outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Are you the parent of a teenager? Then you know how hard it can be to talk to them about, well, anything. This is especially true when trying to talk about their health. Dr. Cindy Gellner recommends a few tips on how to broach sensitive health-related topics with your teenager—and actually get a positive response.
Kids are active, spontaneous—and bound to eventually get hurt at home. What are the most common injuries, how do they happen, and how you can prevent them in the first place? Dr. Cindy Gellner shares the 5 most common injuries your kid may encounter.
Bringing up health concerns like body weight can be a challenge. It can be even trickier when speaking with a child. Dr. Cindy Gellner recommends a few strategies to constructively speak about lifestyle changes without damaging a child’s self-esteem or triggering a parent.
Vaping is a huge problem in the teen population. Not only because of how many teens have begun vaping, but also the potentially dangerous chemicals present in vape juice. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why vaping is not a healthy alternative to tobacco, especially for teenagers.
Newborns sleep on a schedule all their own—and it never fits with their parents' schedule. How long will your baby’s erratic sleep schedule last? When can a parent expect to get a full night’s rest again? Dr. Cindy Gellner has the answers to your questions.
Teen pregnancy is something pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner sees far more often than you’d realize. What causes teens to get pregnant? Is it lack of parent involvement? Are kids too embarrassed to ask a parent about prevention? Learn the pediatrician's perspective on the causes of teen pregnancy and what parents can do to help prevent it.
When a child complains about chest pain, it’s easy for parents to panic and assume it’s a heart problem or pneumonia. But it’s much more likely to be something less serious like costochondritis or precordial catch syndrome. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what these conditions are and how they’re treated.
Most people can recognize the typical signs of a food allergy: Hives. Swelling. Difficulty breathing. But what if eating certain foods just makes your mouth itchy? That’s called oral allergy syndrome. Learn about the condition and what you can do to help avoid the symptoms with Dr. Cindy Gellner.
We’ve all heard the adage that reading in the dark will ruin your vision. Or that sitting too close to the TV will fry your eyes. But are these claims actually true? Dr. Cindy Gellner busts these myths about eyesight and talks about how to really keep your kids' eyes healthy.
Your relationship with your child’s pediatrician is important. Whether it be because of a move or a change in insurance, finding a new doctor for your child can be a very stressful situation. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares some tips to help you find the best pediatrician for your family.
You've taken your child to scheduled well visits, but a few weeks later, you receive a bill in the mail for their care. Aren’t well visits covered by insurance? Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what happens on the billing side of pediatrics and how you may have accidentally asked for extra services during a covered check-up.
As a parent, you worry when your child feels ill. If your child is suffering from painful, chronic headaches, you may assume the worst. But the cause of your child’s pain may be something much more simple. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains how stress, anxiety, and screen time may be causing your child’s headaches and how to prevent them.
Newborns cry—but the intensity and frequency can be shocking. How much crying is normal? If your newborn is having sudden, long-lasting bouts of crying and can’t seem to be soothed, it may be PURPLE crying. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains this specific period of intense crying, how much is normal, and when you can expect it to stop.
A newborn waking up in the middle of the night is a normal thing. But one in five infants who have trouble sleeping may continue to have challenges during their toddler years as well. If your toddler is having problems with nighttime awakenings, there are a few possible causes. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how to distinguish if your child's sleep pattern is normal, or if it’s something more serious.
Nail biting is a common habit, but usually not a serious one for most children. Most children who bite their nails eventually lose the habit, but some may continue well into adulthood. In more serious situations, nail biting can lead to health concerns. There is no prescription to stop nail biting, but it can be addressed. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the reasons why nail biting occurs and offers suggestions on how to help your child stop biting her nails.
Does it seem like your child gets bad colds every winter? If it lasts longer than a month, there’s a good chance the sneezing and sniffling aren’t from a cold at all. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains how to tell the difference between seasonal colds and winter allergies.
It might seem like your child doesn’t eat enough, is never hungry or won’t eat, and you worry he or she will starve unless you spoon-feed them yourself. Don’t worry. It’s normal for a child’s appetite to slow down between the ages of 1 and 5. Normal doesn’t mean it’s pleasant, however. Dr. Cindy Gellner gives you tips on what you can–and shouldn’t–do to help your child through this period of eating struggles.
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.
In the United States, 18 percent of children under the age of 18—13 million children—live in a home struggling to put healthy food on the table. Food insecurity can have long-lasting effects on young children, impacting their memory, social and learning skills. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the steps you can take to help children in food-insecure homes, as well as what resources are available if you find yourself having difficulty providing food for your child.
A recent study suggests the overdiagnosing of ADHD in elementary-aged children could come down to something as simple as what month a child is born. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the new study and why the youngest kids in an elementary class have a 30% higher chance of being diagnosed with ADAH compared to the older students. Dr. Gellner also talks about the best treatment opinions for inattention and hyperactive in young children.
Children as young as two years old are seeing an increased prescription for playtime—it can stimulate creativity and offsets secondhand stress. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner highlights the health benefits that come from simply letting kids be kids and has tips on how you can help your child be a child.
It’s kind of gross to talk about, but you can learn a lot from snot. While mucus may be a bit of an annoyance, it plays an important role in your child’s body. Mucus lines organs with a protective layer, keeping dust and dirt out to help fight off infections. But not all mucus are the same. Different colors can mean fungal infection or other serious health issues. And mucus from allergies is different from that of the common cold. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what the different colors of mucus coming out of your child’s nose really mean, and when you should visit the doctor.
Foot skin issues are common among teenagers—and no, it’s not always athlete’s foot. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about three common foot skin issues in teenagers, and how to identify and treat those issues without a trip to the doctor.
How much sugar is too much for kids? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains that a sugar-loaded diet contributes to childhood obesity. She recommends that children have no more than 45 grams of sugar in a day—the equivalent of about 15 sugar cubes—even when it comes to foods that we generally consider healthy, such as fruit juice and yogurt.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a virus that can cause rashes on the hands and feet and sores in the mouth—and can sometimes be mistaken for the strep throat infection. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner tells you how to distinguish the virus from strep throat and other similar illnesses. She also provides tips for treating the virus and how to help your child stay comfortable through their symptoms.
After-school programs can provide a safe place for children when parents may not be available. But as children age into preteens, when can they be allowed to stay home by themselves? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the different factors that vary from family to family and how to best prepare your preteen for staying home alone.
Nearly 13 million children and adolescents in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It may seem counterintuitive, but pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says technologies such as smartphones and fitness trackers can actually help kids watch their own weight by gamifying their exercise and physical activity.
Just like adults, teenagers are susceptible to receiving sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some STIs are curable and have detectable symptoms, but others can last a lifetime and have no known cure. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how open and honest communications with your children to prevent the spread of STIs.
We typically think of high blood pressure as a problem for adults, but 3.5% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about why some children have high blood pressure, what signs to be on the lookout for and the treatments available.
An ingrown toenail can cause a lot of pain, especially in children. There are different causes for an ingrown toenail, but the most common are tight shoes. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner tells you how to identify ingrown toenail from other feet infections, prevention and what to do if your child gets one.
Having your kids play a sport is a great way to keep them active, happy and healthy. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the social and psychological benefits that can come with getting your child involved in organized youth sports.
Seasonal allergies are miserable. No doubt about that. But do some of the things you’ve been told to help prevent allergy symptoms really work? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner debunks some of the common myths about seasonal allergies and shares tips to help your child avoid sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses.
Warts are raised, round, rough growths on the surface of the skin. They are very common and most people have dealt with one at some point. Warts usually go away without treatment in two to three years, but what if you, or your child, don’t want to wait that long? It’s time to pull out that wonderful silver tape that seems to fix just about anything. Dr. Cindy Gellner shares how duct tape can be used as an effective home remedy for your child’s warts.
Has your child got a cough so bad that it almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Dr. Cindy Gellner breaks down the physiology of what is actually occurring. She suggests some at-home treatments and discusses how a pediatrician can help and when it is time to go to the ER.
Young children typically have a lot of energy and short attention spans. Still, with over 6.1 million children in the United States diagnosed with ADHD, parents often worry about their children being too hyperactive. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares what behaviors you should be on the lookout for if you suspect your child may be hyperactive.
As a parent, your pediatrician is one of the most important partners in raising your child. But finding the right doctor for your child can be hard. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares some helpful tips on how you can choose a doctor who will be the best fit for both you and your child.
Summer is a time for kids to go outdoors and have fun. But as a parent, you want to make sure they’re safe out there. Does your child really need to wait 30 minutes after eating to swim? Should they get a base tan? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner examines some of the more common summertime safety tips and whether or not they’re true.
There are many feeding recommendations for infants—it can be hard as a parent to keep up with all the latest research and advice. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares the facts about the most recent feeding recommendations and debunks some of the more popular myths about what food is best for your baby.
For most kids who are active, complaints about joint pain can be both common and harmless. But if your child’s joint pain is severe or chronic, it may be early signs of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA.) Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares the key symptoms to be on the lookout for and when it’s time to visit your pediatrician.
Tonsils are small glands on either side of the throat that stop bacteria from entering the body. They’re an important part of your child’s immune system, but sometimes can become ‘ginormous’ and cause problems like difficulty swallowing, heroic snoring, or chronic strep throat. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the functions of tonsils and when you should consider getting them removed.
A lot of parents worry about their child’s bowel movements: Is it normal? Is it not normal? Is the stool too hard or too soft? How many days can a child go between bowel movements? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner tells you the difference between regular and irregular bowel movements in children—which is more common than you might think—and how to help your child avoid constipation.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mimics the symptoms of a really bad cold. It is especially dangerous for premature babies and children with existing lung or heart ailments and generally requires special treatment. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner describes the virus, its symptoms, how it differs from the common cold, and what actions to take if you suspect your child has RSV.
Some parents may give their child a bottle of sports or energy drink as a "healthier" alternative to soda. But sports drinks should only be given to children who actually play sports. And energy drinks are almost never okay to give a child. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about why sports and energy drinks can be bad for children and lists some healthier alternatives.
When your child has a fever, it can be difficult to tell whether it’s serious enough to see a pediatrician. Dr. Cindy Gellner goes over some myths and facts about fevers in children and infants, including how to tell low-grade and high-grade fevers apart and how to treat each. She also gives some hints about fevers that will help you keep calm while your child is ill.
Parents know a sleep-deprived kid is a cranky kid, but lack of sleep can also have a negative impact on your child's health and performance in school. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why it is important to get your kids to bed on time to ensure they get the sleep their minds and bodies need.
If your child needs to use the bathroom every ten minutes or so, or if you frequently see urine spots in their underwear, you might be concerned. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says these are common symptoms in preschool-aged kids. She discusses the main reason young children experience frequent urination and the best ways you can help.
Bedwetting is more common than you would think. But it's often something parents and kids don't want to talk about because it can be embarrassing. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about why a child might be wetting the bed, what's normal and what's not, and how you can help your child through this temporary stage.
While there are no clear answers as to what causes eating disorders, they can cause serious and potentially dangerous health problems with your child. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses how your child’s physical and mental health can be impacted by an eating disorder and the best ways to get treatment.
In the United States, 1 out of 100 teenagers will struggle with an eating disorder. If your child is starting to develop one of these disorders, it’s important to get professional help. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what exactly an eating disorder is and some of the common signs you should be looking for as a parent.
Many parents of vomiting children get concerned if it doesn’t stop after a day. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, says that doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs to see the doctor. She goes over the signs and symptoms of the stomach bug versus the flu, food poisoning and other illnesses. She also discusses what to feed a puking child and how you can treat the bug from your home.
Potty training is a big milestone for children—most should be out of diapers by school-age. But that may not always be the case. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how parents can prepare their toddlers for potty training and what can cause potential resistants and delays.
There has been a significant increase in emotional health problems among American teenagers since the adoption of smartphones. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the science and impact of smartphones on teenagers. And she also talks about the link between modern technology and our children’s emotional health.
Kids seem to always get sick during the winter season. Runny noses, coughing, nausea, vomiting—it’s easy to assume the flu. But could your child actually have something caused by adenovirus? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what these imitation viruses are and how you can spot them.
Spanking is one of the most controversial issues when it comes to parenting. Some argue that spanking is important for discipline, others find the practice antiquated and violent. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explores what modern research says about the potential long-term consequences of spanking.
There are a lot of misconceptions about children's allergies. Can your child be born with allergies? Can your child outgrow allergies? Is there anything you can do to prevent your child from developing allergies? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner examine the most common misunderstandings about allergies in children.
A baby's skin is different than an adult's. Newborns' skin can develop more rashes and can be hyper-sensitive. This is because the skin isn’t fully developed until six months. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the top most common skin care myths for your child. Which ones are true and which should you avoid?
As a new parent, the things your baby does can lead to all sorts of new worries. Even their breathing can lead to a slew of concerns. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what's normal—or not—in your newborn’s breathing and what signs are alarming.
Fevers are one of the most common reasons parents bring their kids to the doctor. It’s easy as a parent to give in to "fever-phobia" and assume that something is terribly wrong. But what is the actual reason behind your child’s fever and should you be concerned? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what really causes fevers in children.