Healthy Kids Zone

After spending a lot of time in the water, the ear can get infected by what’s called swimmer’s ear. If your child complains of earaches, particularly during the summer, swimmer’s ear is most likely the cause. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what you can do to help relieve your child’s ear pain and when to go to the doctor.

It seems like not long ago you could leave your kids at home for the evening or let them play outside all day with almost no worries. These days it seems like you can’t be too careful. At what age can you start to leave your kids at home for the night? Dr. Cindy Gellner provides some tips for preparing your kids for an evening without you.

It can be horrifying to see your child’s face start to swell and realize they’re having an allergic reaction. If your child has severe allergies to certain insects, medications or food, you should have a prescription for injectable epinephrine. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks you through the signs of anaphylaxis and what to do if you think your child is in danger.

Detecting a child’s mental disorder can be difficult because many of the behaviors can also occur as part of normal development. As a result, some parents are hesitant to seek help. To help you understand this confusing issue better, Dr. Cindy Gellner gives an overview of mental disorders children can suffer from, what causes them, what to look for and what to do about it.

It’s hard to imagine anyone intentionally harming a child. When people think of child abuse, they often picture physical abuse, but as Dr. Cindy Gellner explains, child abuse includes much more than that. She talks about the forms of child abuse and what to do if you suspect a child you know is being abused in any manner.

Babies get tested for many things right after they are born. The heel prick includes a test for phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare birth defect that causes a certain amino acid to build up in the body. Dr. Gellner talks about this disorder and what a PKU diagnosis means for you and your new baby.

Your preschooler suddenly needs the bathroom every few minutes—but seems otherwise fine. While alarming for parents, this common phase is often harmless and linked to stress, routine changes, or bladder habits rather than disease. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why frequent urination happens in young children, how long it usually lasts, and what parents can do to help. Learn the warning...

It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Pediatrician  Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why a small percentage of children experience these and how you can help when it happens. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the docto...

Complementary and alternative medicines are all over lately: herbal supplements, massage, essential oils, and more. You might love how some of these therapies make you feel, but are they safe for your child? You might be surprised to learn that there are some risks. Dr. Cindy Gellner is an expert on this subject and talks about the ways you can safely apply these practices with your child.

Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner goes over speech and language development for babies and toddlers. She talks about what to expect your baby to be saying depending on how old they are and what to do if they’re not being as vocal or responsive to sounds. She talks about speech problems that might be concerning—using actions such as pointing, but no words, imitating sounds but not using words, and so...

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. Lis...

Many people self-diagnose restless leg syndrome, but it comes with a set of specific symptoms and is actually much less common than you’d think. Dr. Cindy Gellner gives us the facts on restless leg syndrome and what else could be behind your child’s twitchy legs. Find out what these symptoms are so you can figure out whether or not your child is suffering from this disorder.

Most teenagers do not get enough sleep as it is, and starting school before 8 a.m. can hurt their natural sleep cycles. Research shows they do better in school if they have later start times. Pediatrician  Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about why this is and how you can get involved to delay the start time of your teenager’s school day so she can be more alert in class.

If you have a picky eater, you might worry that your child is anemic if they seem weak or pale. Dr. Cindy Gellner goes over the signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia and how to tell if your child really has that problem or not. She also discusses blood tests, treatment options and helping your child get the most out of their diet.

Many parents worry when their child's feet turn inward, a condition known as intoeing. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why intoeing happens, when it typically resolves on its own, and what parents can do to support their child's development. Learn when intoeing is a normal part of growth and when it might require medical attention.

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.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is making a comeback: the number of cases in 2014 was higher than it’s been in decades. Babies can’t receive the pertussis vaccine until several months after they are born, which can make it difficult to protect new babies. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about several preventative measures to take that could save the life of your vulnerable newborn.

Growing up often comes with growing pains. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses why children of certain ages get body aches and what to expect when growing pains set in. She discusses how to help your child through these uncomfortable times and when to see a doctor if you suspect the pain isn’t normal.

If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares advice for making the flu as bearable as possible for your little ones. Learn what foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they can go back to school.

Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down what is happening to cause the nasty cough. She suggests some at-home treatments, discusses how a pediatrician can help, and explains when it is time to go to the ER.

Newborn jaundice is common, but not all cases are created equal. Learn why your baby's skin and eyes might be turning yellow, what it means for their health, and how you can help at home. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down the types of jaundice, when to act, and what treatment looks like—so you are not left guessing in those first fragile days.

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.

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. Cindy Gellner, MD , describes the virus, its symptoms, how it differs from the common cold, and what actions to take if you suspect your child has RSV.

Although the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are quite similar, they have very different causes. Dr. Cindy Gellner goes over the causes, signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease and discusses how to tell if your child is suffering from a gluten problem.

Food allergies in children are becoming increasingly common—and often misunderstood. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down the difference between an allergy and an intolerance, the most common triggers, and why some kids are more at risk. Learn how to recognize allergic reactions, what to do in an emergency, and how to safely manage allergies both at home and at school.