The Scope

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.

Sugar hides in more places than you think—and kids often get way more than recommended. With childhood obesity affecting nearly 1 in 5 elementary-aged children, pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explores how hidden sugar and portion sizes contribute to the problem. Learn how to read labels more clearly, how to visualize sugar in everyday foods, and what simple swaps can help cut down on excess suga...

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.

A period that shows up two weeks ahead of schedule can feel like a red flag, but timing alone does not always signal trouble. Cycles shift for all kinds of reasons—some meaningful, some just part of being human. Women's health specialist Kirtly Jones, MD , breaks down what really counts as an abnormal cycle and the signs that warrant a call to your clinician.

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. But sometimes it can feel impossible to fall asleep at night. Dr. Tom Miller shares a few simple tips to help you fall asleep—and stay asleep—and discusses when your insomnia may need to be treated by a professional.

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.

Shingles is the reactivation of chickenpox—a virus most people get during childhood—and older people are at a higher risk of getting the infection. Should you receive the new shingles shot even if you’ve already been vaccinated? If you're over 50 years of age, probably. Dr. Tom Miller weights the pros and cons of the new shingles vaccine.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can occur between longer periods of darkness and extremely cold temperatures. According to women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones , the symptoms of SAD primarily affects women. Dr. Jones talks about how to mitigate feelings of depression and hopelessness during autumn and winter.

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.

As your loved ones get older, there’s a good chance they will begin losing their vision, and in turn, their ability to drive safely degrades. But taking away the car keys from a loved one can be an emotional and challenging event. Lisa Ord , patient support program director for The Moran Eye Center, shares some practical strategies on this critical and potentially life-saving conversation.

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.

Vision loss can be overwhelming—but it does not have to be isolating. Licensed clinical social worker Lisa Ord, PhD , shares how emotional support, practical tools, and open communication can help individuals and their families adjust to changes in sight. From talking with loved ones to finding the right resources, learn how to navigate the emotional and practical realities of losing vision—withou...

Having your kids play a sport is a great way to keep them active, happy, and healthy. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the social and psychological benefits that can come with getting your child involved in organized youth sports.

Early miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is common—the most common complication in pregnancy . Approximately one million American women experience a loss of pregnancy in the first twelve weeks. OB/GYN Kirtly Jones, MD , talks about managing pregnancy failure, whether at the clinic or in your own home.

Seasonal allergies can make kids miserable, but there are ways to help minimize their symptoms. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , provides effective strategies for seasonal allergy relief. Learn when to keep them indoors, why showering before bed is important, and how pets, laundry, and even open windows can bring allergens into your home.

Dizziness is one of the most common complaints primary care physicians treat. There are many different types of dizziness, each with its causes and treatments. Dr. Tom Miller shares how to figure out what kind of dizziness you're experiencing.

Hot flashes are a signature symptom of menopause, but for some women, they last far longer than expected—sometimes up to 15 years. What causes them, and why do they vary so much from person to person? Women's health expert, Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , explains the medical science behind hot flashes. Learn about the treatment options and when to seek help.

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 Cindy Gellner, MD , shares what behaviors you should be on the lookout for if you suspect your child may be hyperactive.

In recent years, fatty liver disease has become the most common chronic liver disease, affecting as many as 80 million Americans—many who don’t even know they have the disease. Dr. Tom Miller explains the causes, and how you can best prevent fatty liver disease.

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.

A large-scale study shows a connection between the eating habits of women and the chance of developing breast cancer. More surprisingly, eating junk food late at night may increase your risk. Women’s health expert Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , explains what types of foods you should be eating—and when you should be eating them—to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Summer fun comes with its fair share of advice—but not all of it holds up. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , busts some of the most common summer safety myths, from the outdated rule about swimming after eating to dangerous misconceptions about sunscreen and helmets. Learn how to keep your kids safe with tips rooted in real science, not old wives' tales.

Your child may seem healthy, but annual well-child visits are still essential. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains why these checkups are about more than just updating vaccines. Learn how these visits differ from sick visits, what screenings to expect, and how insurance policies affect what gets covered.

Losing vision can be overwhelming and scary. For many, it comes with an unexpected side effect—hallucinations. Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) causes vivid visual experiences in people with vision loss, but many are too afraid to speak up, fearing they will be misunderstood. Lisa Ord, LCSW, PhD , explains why CBS happens, how it differs from mental illness, and what people can do to manage these hal...

Most research says getting less than the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night can be detrimental to your health. But as many as 10 percent of Americans report that getting six hours or less a night seems more than enough. Researchers Paula Williams and Brian Curtis discuss their study on whether or not short sleepers can really be healthy. For more information on the study or to partic...