Healthy Kids Zone

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.

It’s the time of year when your child gets sick over and over, and you wonder if they’ll ever be healthy again. They start to sniffle and you bundle them up to try to keep the sickness at bay. But contrary to popular belief, we don’t get sick because the weather’s too cold or because we’re not wearing the right amount of appropriate seasonal clothing. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about when, why, and how children get colds and other winter infections. She’ll also discuss when you should worry if sneezing and coughing becomes too frequent.

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.

Your teenager complains of constant dizzy spells or vertigo. Could it be a symptom of something serious? According to Dr. Cindy Gellner, dizziness is a pretty common condition—especially for adolescents. Learn more about the causes of dizziness in children and treatments that can help.

When a child gets sick and throws up, it can cause great concern for parents. On today's Health Minute, pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the warning signs of vomiting in a child that may require emergency medical attention. Learn more about this health topic in the full-length interview.

As a boy begins to mature, their body and mind go through a lot of changes. It can be tough not only for kids but for their parents too. From growth spurts - and the appetites to match - to strange smells to general moodiness, Dr. Cindy Gellner shares her expertise to prepare parents for raising a boy going through puberty.

Evidence shows that masks work at preventing the spread of COVID-19. But could wearing a mask increase the amount of carbon dioxide your kid breathes during the day? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner debunks this mask myth and explains the science behind the safe long-term use of masks—even for children.

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.

Could your child have a learning disability? It’s a frequent question for pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner. Whether it be dyslexia, dyscalculia, or another learning disorder, identify the common signs to look for and when you should speak with your pediatrician about getting the help your child needs to succeed.

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.

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. Listen to learn about the research and more.

A lot of parents are concerned about keeping their kids safe during these uncertain times. Parents and teenagers may be vaccinated, but younger kids are not eligible to receive the shot yet. Is it safe to let them return to playdates? Should they be wearing masks? Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses current recommendations and considerations parents should take before letting their children return to play.

Most children—especially child athletes—will complain of heel pain at some point in their development. This may be an inflammatory condition called Sever’s Disease. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains why this common heel pain occurs during growth spurts and how you can help relieve your kid's foot pain.

A daughter’s first period marks her entry into womanhood. For a lot of parents—mothers in particular—this is also a time of new anxieties and concerns about their child’s health. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what’s normal, what’s not, and what to expect now that your daughter has had her menarche.

Most parents have never thought about the difficult decision of whether or not you should donate your child’s organs when the unthinkable happens. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the potential benefits of pediatric organ donation and the considerations involved in the process.

New parents may worry that their newborn will have stomach problems if she doesn't burp after feeding. But pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says not to worry: the air in your baby will find a way out. She explains symptoms associated with colic and spitting up symptoms and why new parents shouldn't worry.

Caring for the health and development of your child is a pediatrician’s top priority. This is especially true for children with a physical or developmental disability. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the expanded role for parents and the considerations you should make to find the right doctor for your child with special needs.

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.