Healthy Kids Zone

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.

Choosing the right toy is not about what is trending—it is about how children learn at each stage of development. From infants discovering the world through sound, texture, and cause-and-effect, to older kids using play to explore identity, creativity, and independence, the best toys grow with a child's needs. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , breaks down what actually supports learning and develop...

A growing child needs a wide variety of foods, including vegetables. But toddlers are some of the pickiest eaters around. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , discusses why kids are so particular when it comes to eating, and has some strategies for encouraging even the pickiest eaters to try new foods.

Doctors call it Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA), but you might know it better as a staph infection. It's a nasty problem that's on the rise in children. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what causes MSRA, the signs and symptoms of the infection, and what to do if your child gets it.

Every flu season brings the same questions: Does the vaccine really work? Can it cause the flu? What if my child has an egg allergy? The evidence strongly supports annual immunization for nearly all children over six months of age. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains vaccination options, common side effects, and safety concerns to help parents make confident decisions. Learn what flu vaccine...

Hand washing is one of the best ways to keep kids healthy, but getting them to do it—and do it right—can be a challenge. But with the right tricks, you can turn this daily task into something your child enjoys. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , shares creative ways to make hand washing fun, help kids kill the germs they cannot see, and build healthy habits that stick.

Bedtime battles are common, but a consistent sleep routine can make a world of difference. From infants to teenagers, children thrive on structure, and getting enough rest is key to their focus, mood, and academic success. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about why sleep schedules matter, how to handle common bedtime struggles, and when to seek medical advice for your child's sleep issues.

Have you ever wondered what you as a parent or concerned friend can do for an obese child? Dr. Cindy Gellner, from the University of Utah Health Care Clinics, will help you understand just how to do this.

Did you know that fall allergies are different than spring allergies? Find out why and how to treat them from Dr. Cindy Gellner.

School lunches are getting healthier, but that alone is not enough to prevent childhood obesity. They need healthy food at home, too. And remember to make sure they exercise. Dr. Cindy Gellner, pediatrician for University of Utah Health Care says exercise, portion size, your habits and what they're eating at home are important too. Plus, learn about the 5-2-1-0 and how it can help you have healthy...