Healthy Kids Zone

Teens are spending more time on social media than ever before, and it is taking a toll on their mental and physical health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , addresses the urgent concerns surrounding excessive social media use among teenagers, the rising rates of depression, self-harm, and obesity linked to screen time, and how parents can step in to make a difference.

Teen marijuana use is rising, especially through vaping, and many parents and teens may assume it is relatively harmless. But regular cannabis use during adolescence can affect brain development, academic performance, and mental health. Pediatrician  Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition that causes severe, repeated nausea and vomiting in frequent marij...

Bronchiolitis, primarily caused by RSV, is a serious respiratory condition in infants that can lead to severe mucus build-up and breathing difficulties. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD explains how bronchiolitis starts, its peak crisis period, and effective home remedies like humidity therapy and nasal suctioning. Learn when hospital care is necessary and how to prevent virus spread among young chi...

Does your child have strep throat, or is it just a common cold? It's challenging but important for parents to understand the differences in throat infections in kids. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down how to identify strep throat in children, discussing everything from palatal petechiae to the implications of scarlet fever. Learn why accurate diagnosis through strep testing is crucial f...

Learn how to handle mosquito bites effectively to ensure your child’s comfort during the summer season. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , discusses typical reactions to mosquito bites and rare allergies like Skeeter syndrome while providing a comprehensive guide to at-home treatments and preventive measures to protect your little ones from pesky mosquito bites.

Asthma can be a daunting diagnosis for parents, but it can be managed effectively with the right knowledge and tools. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , discusses how asthma affects the airways and makes it difficult to breathe while outlining the medications used to treat and manage the condition. Learn how to recognize asthma symptoms, the importance of treatment adherence, and strategies to preve...

Diagnoses of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) among teenagers is on the rise. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains the symptoms of POTS, how it differs from other conditions like anxiety or dehydration, and the role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating blood pressure and heart rate. Learn about the diagnostic process involving neurologists and the supportive treatment...

Is regular exercise the key to managing ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , examines recent evidence that shows how increased physical activity can significantly improve mental health conditions in kids. Also, learn practical strategies that parents can use to integrate more exercise into their children's daily routines.

Recent studies suggest a link between increased screen time in toddlers and developmental delays in speech and problem-solving skills. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , discusses what the research shows and provides practical advice for parents. Learn how to reduce screen time, and how to select high-quality educational content for those moments when screen time is appropriate

Fentanyl overdoses in teens are rising sharply. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explores some of the reasons behind this increase and advocates for a proactive approach to curb it. Learn the importance of having a naloxone kit in every household with opioids and how to engage in vital conversations with teens about the dangers of fentanyl.

In an age when social media heavily influences youth, many teens are quick to label themselves with mental health conditions they see trending online. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD , highlights the intricacies of diagnosing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She also emphasizes the need for expert mental health evaluations and helps parents understand the potential hazards when teens...

If your child complains of stomach aches, headaches, and other vague symptoms that seem to increase the night before or morning of a school day, your child may be dealing with school phobia. As the condition becomes increasingly prevalent, parents need to be equipped with the right tools to help their kids. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares techniques to help your child overcome their fear o...

Adults need fiber in their diets to help prevent certain illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. But what about children? While fruits and vegetables are great fiber sources, there are also supplement options available for picky eaters. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the role of fiber in children's diets and its impact on their health. Dr. Gellner also shares how to use the "Ru...

With U.S. rates of teen suicide and suicidal ideation on the rise, how should parents respond when their teenager loses a friend or acquaintance to suicide? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , provides insight into guiding your teen through the grieving process, fostering open conversations about suicide, and determining when professional mental health assistance is required. If you or a loved one is...

Is it normal childhood behavior or could it be ADHD? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , delves into why ADHD diagnosis often goes beyond the scope of a pediatrician's role in a traditional well-visit and underscores the importance of referral to a pediatric behavioral specialist. She shares some advice for parents who suspect their child may have ADHD and learn how to seek appropriate assistance.

What do you need to know about pediatric OB care and how doctors can address gynecological issues in children? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , clarifies common misconceptions and sheds light on the scope and limitations of general pediatricians. Learn about the types of gynecological issues that pediatricians can manage and when it's necessary to consult a pediatric gynecologist for specialized c...

Facing challenges with your child's behavior? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , provides expert guidance on how to differentiate between normal childhood misbehavior and genuine behavioral concerns. Learn when to seek professional help from a mental health specialist and when the issue may actually be a result of parenting approaches. Equip yourself with the knowledge to better understand and suppo...

Are your daughter's periods causing her pain? It's essential for parents to understand what's normal and what's not when it comes to menstrual pain in young girls. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down the common causes of painful periods, discusses what symptoms to look for that may indicate a more serious issue, and provides tips on how parents can help their daughters manage the pain.

As a busy parent, it's easy to let your child's routine doctor appointments slip through the cracks. But skipping or missing those check-ups can have consequences for your child's health—and prevent other kids from receiving care. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains the importance of keeping those appointments and why canceling and rescheduling is always a better option than simply not showi...

There are around 6,000 pediatric ER visits for button battery ingestion every year in the United States. If you even suspect your child may have swallowed a button battery, take them to the emergency room immediately for surgery. Ingesting a battery can cause severe and potentially permanent damage to a child’s esophagus or digestive tract in as little as two hours. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD...

Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination 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...

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...

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 t...

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 whi...

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 t...