Healthy Kids Zone

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 Cindy Gellner, MD , examines the most common misunderstandings about allergies in children.

Dark circles under a child's eyes look dramatic, but they are rarely a sign of anything dangerous. Most cases come down to nasal congestion or simple genetics. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why some kids naturally look more shadowed under the eyes, how allergies or blocked noses can worsen the appearance, and which rare warning signs suggest something more serious.

If your child's "cold" has dragged on for weeks, it may not be a cold at all. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why winter allergies are often mistaken for repeated viral infections. Learn the key differences to look for, what symptoms actually signal allergies, and when it is time to let your pediatrician take a look.

Vomiting and diarrhea caused by the stomach bug are common in children and typically resolve with at-home care. But how do you know when to manage it yourself and when to seek medical help? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , offers guidance on spotting signs of dehydration, understanding the virus's typical course, and knowing when symptoms suggest something more serious. Get advice on safe hydratio...

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?

When a child starts throwing up or has diarrhea from a stomach bug, it can make parents nervous. On today's Health Minute , pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what to normally expect when a child catches a stomach bug, how best to treat the child, and what symptoms to look for that are not normal that may require an urgent visit to a physician.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression that is linked to shorter daylight hours. About six percent of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the condition. On today's Health Minute , pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the symptoms and treatment options that might help if your child has seasonal depression.

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.

Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains how to recognize a true cold sore, what home treatments may help shorten an outbreak, and when children are most contagious. Learn when to ask your doctor ab...

When children catch a stomach bug, vomiting is normal and it shouldn't last more than 24 hours. On today's Health Minute , pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why you should not force children to eat after they've vomited, and gives tips for keeping your child hydrated.

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.

When your child isn’t feeling well, it’s easy as a parent to think of the worst-case scenario. Could that stomach ache be appendicitis? Could a neck ache be meningitis? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner calms your parental fears and explains common reasons why your child might not be feeling well and the rare symptoms you should be worried about.

Overuse of antibiotics can make a person more vulnerable to sickness, even a child. Recent studies reveal many prescriptions for antibiotics were likely unnecessary because antibiotics don't work on viral infections. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains several important things parents should know about antibiotics and gives tips to keep in mind when caring for a sick child who may just have a...

As parents, you may want to bubble wrap your kids to protect them from getting sick from their surrounding environment. But are those fears and concerns validated? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about what you should and shouldn't worry about when keeping your kid healthy.

Dandruff—those small white flakes of dead skin that can gather on a child's shoulders—is normal and can be treated with the right hair care. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the causes and prevention of dandruff in children.

When your child is sick, you want any medicine you can have to help them feel better and fast. But does your child really need antibiotics for what they have? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the myths and facts about when antibiotics can help your child and when they can do more harm than good.

"But I need a phone!" is a commonly heard plea from school-aged children. When is your child ready for their own cell phone? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the Wait Until 8th campaign and offers some important mental and physical factors that parents should consider before giving their kid a phone.

A choking child can be very scary for a parent. In children, choking on a rubber balloon is the leading cause of death for non-food objects. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says parents should avoid giving kids foods that can be a choking hazard, such as gum, hard candy, or popcorn. Learn what other things can cause kids to choke, and what parents can do to prevent choking.

Is your child struggling in school? Wondering if they may have a learning disability? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains that there is a difference between a learning barrier and a legitimate learning disability. Learn how to identify one of the many types of learning disabilities and how you and your child’s school can work to make accommodations to help them succeed.

Sometimes, kids smell. Most of these odors are caused by them being little explorers and can easily wash off with soap. But what if your child has some particularly funky smells? On today's Health Minute, pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about three smells you should pay attention to, as they could indicate your child is sick.

We don't like getting sick, and we especially don't like our children getting sick, so we give them supplements and other immune boosters in hopes of warding off any illness that might come their way. But do these immune boosters actually work? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner examines three common ways to boost immunity and separates fact from fiction.

Many indicators of drug and alcohol use are the same as typical teen behavior, or depression and anxiety. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner reviews some important signs to look for that could signal drug or alcohol abuse in teenagers, and gives some suggestions for how to handle the situation if your child is using.

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 Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the most effective treatments for bug bites.