Healthy Kids Zone

Is your child's teething causing their ear infections? Will they catch a cold if you let them go outside with wet hair? What about if you leave a window open while they're sleeping? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, set the record straight on three of the more common old wives' tales about colds and ear infections.

Marijuana use may not be quite as risk-free as previously believed—especially for teens. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains recent research into the rise in teen marijuana use. Learn more about its association with serious health issues like temporary psychosis and the increased risk of developing disorders like schizophrenia and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

Winter air inversion affects kids differently than adults, especially kids with breathing problems such as asthma. On a day with heavy inversion, is it safe for your child to play outside? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, defines what inversions are and why children are more at risk during periods of bad air quality. Dr. Gellner also discusses how to decide whether the air quality is good enough for your child to be out during recess at school and what to do if it's not.

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.

If your child comes down with the flu, there is 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. Dr. Gellner discusses the foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they are able to go back to school.

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

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 showing up.

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 misdiagnose themselves based on online content.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a heartbreaking occurrence that affects too many families. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, sheds light on the risk factors associated with SIDS and provides insights into its prevention. Discover what science has unraveled about SIDS and the practical steps you can take to safeguard your child from this tragic condition.

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 of school and shares when a professional may be useful for severe anxiety.

Stomach ache, headache, dizziness, and nausea are all symptoms you might hear from your child on a school day morning. The condition may even get worse as it gets closer to time for school, then miraculously become better on the weekends. It may be school phobia. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what can cause school-phobic kids to feel sick and the simple method to calm the fear in your child.

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 "Rule of Five" to determine your child's daily fiber requirement.

What is the appropriate age, height, and weight to switch your child from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat? Beyond recommendations, specific guidelines and laws ensure children's safety in passenger vehicles. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about current car seat regulations, and how to keep your children as safe as possible while on the road.

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 struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you're not alone and help is available. Call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Line at 988 to connect with mental health professionals in your area.

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.

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.

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 care.

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 support your child's emotional well-being.

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.

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, discusses how to keep your kids safe and why button batteries can be so dangerous.

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 your daughter.

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 an optometrist.

Pick out the perfect toy for your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews this holiday season by knowing how it helps their physical, mental, and social development. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about the five stages of child development, what children learn during each one, and how the right toys at the right time can make a big difference.

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 the care they need.

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 while avoiding a tantrum.

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 their child gets RSV.

For new parents, it can be hard to keep your child's vaccines straight. When do they get DTAP? What is MMR? Does my child really need all of these shots? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, has the answers about vaccines for kids—from birth to college. On this episode of The Basics, learn more about recommended vaccines, when they should be received, and how to ensure your kid grows up with the maximum protection against infections.

Newborns make a lot of strange movements and exhibit unexpected behaviors during the first year of life. They can startle at nothing, suck at the air, cross their eyes, breathe funny, and more. New parents may be a little worried about what is and isn't normal. Pediatrician < a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/fad/mddetail.php?physicianID=u0548562&name=cynthia-l-e-gellner">Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the most common reflexes seen in newborns and how to identify whether or not they're something worth concern.

As a parent, you've seen commercials saying you need to give your kid chewable vitamins or special, expensive supplement drinks for them to grow and develop properly. Do children really need supplements? Probably not. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why even the pickiest eater is probably getting enough of their daily vitamins and minerals without the need for additional supplements.

New parents may be surprised at just how often their baby cries. It is their main form of communication after all. Hungry, bored, in need of a diaper change, they will cry for many reasons - and often. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, goes over the basics of crying for parents. From newborn to teenager, learn how to understand your child's crying and how best to respond with advice from an expert.

Many parents in the United States are scrambling to find baby formula. What are you supposed to do with a hungry baby at home and empty shelves at the store? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares how you can feed your baby and support other parents in this difficult time.

Sensory disorders in children have recently been added as an official psychiatric diagnosis and are estimated to impact as many as 15% of kids in the US. These conditions are marked by a significant sensitivity to sounds, textures, tastes, or brightness and can be quite disruptive to their behavior and development. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why these conditions are on the rise, and how a parent can identify and accommodate them.

Have you ever put a piece of clothing or jewelry on your child to have them break out in a rash or hives? It's called contact dermatitis, and it's more common than you may think. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the condition and how you can treat and prevent those itchy rashes your kid may get with certain materials.

In general, kids do pretty well if they catch COVID-19. But Cindy Gellner, MD, is seeing a significant number of kids experiencing symptoms from the disease for weeks if not months after the initial infection. The ongoing symptoms seem to impact children regardless of how severe their illness was. Learn more about long-haul COVID in your children and what you can do to prevent and treat the symptoms.

As a new parent, it's important to you that your child meets all the expected developmental milestones, like walking and talking. But which milestones are backed by research, and how do you know if your kid is meeting expectations? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what the important milestones are, how to measure your child's development, and when you should speak with a specialist.

Young kids can have all sorts of skin issues as they grow up, and Dr. Cindy Gellner, MD, and pediatrician, has seen them all. Learn the basics of diaper irritation, dry skin, eczema, and rashes that you should know as a parent and how you can treat many of them at home.

As a parent, your pediatrician can be your lifeline whenever you have a question about the health of your child. But what should you do when you have a pressing question or concern after-hours, and the clinic is closed? Cindy Gellner, MD, and pediatrician with University of Utah Health, shares the pressing circumstances when you should reach out to the on-call pediatrician and when it can wait until morning.

What formula should I give my new baby? When should I start introducing other food groups? What do I do if my child only wants to eat junk food? Parents have a lot of questions about the basics of feeding their child. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner covers The Basics.

Too much caffeine can do more than have your kids bouncing off the walls. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner provides some insight into how much caffeine children should be allowed to consume, the downsides of too much caffeine, and how to help your kids and teens to cut back.

We often associate healthy babies with chubby babies. But obesity is becoming more and more of a problem in children. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the risks of obesity in children and why it's important for parents to intervene before the age of 5 if they don't want their children to be obese adults. She also talks about the physical and psychological problems that can come with obesity in children and explains exactly what parents should be paying attention to.

You've probably heard the old wives' tale, “don't let your child eat sugar, or they'll get diabetes.” Is this true? Is it true that there is a cure for diabetes? Access to the Internet has created an explosion in information available to people, but it can be hard to tell what is true, and what isn't. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner debunks common diabetes myths, and shares what's true when it comes to your children.