Healthy Kids Zone

A recent study suggests the overdiagnosing of ADHD in elementary-aged children could come down to something as simple as what month a child is born. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the new study and why the youngest kids in an elementary class have a 30% higher chance of being diagnosed with ADAH compared to the older students. Dr. Gellner also talks about the best treatment opinions for inattention and hyperactive in young children.

Children as young as two years old are seeing an increased prescription for playtime—it can stimulate creativity and offsets secondhand stress. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner highlights the health benefits that come from simply letting kids be kids and has tips on how you can help your child be a child.

It’s kind of gross to talk about, but you can learn a lot from snot. While mucus may be a bit of an annoyance, it plays an important role in your child’s body. Mucus lines organs with a protective layer, keeping dust and dirt out to help fight off infections. But not all mucus are the same. Different colors can mean fungal infection or other serious health issues. And mucus from allergies is different from that of the common cold. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what the different colors of mucus coming out of your child’s nose really mean, and when you should visit the doctor.

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.

How much sugar is too much for kids? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains that a sugar-loaded diet contributes to childhood obesity. She recommends that children have no more than 45 grams of sugar in a day—the equivalent of about 15 sugar cubes—even when it comes to foods that we generally consider healthy, such as fruit juice and yogurt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Seasonal allergies are miserable. No doubt about that. But do some of the things you’ve been told to help prevent allergy symptoms really work? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner debunks some of the common myths about seasonal allergies and shares tips to help your child avoid sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses.

Parents know to take their kid to their pediatrician when they’re sick, but children should also be visiting regularly even when they seem healthy. Your child’s well visit is much more than just a physical. Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what pediatricians are checking for during your child’s visits and why it is so important to their mental, physical and developmental health.

Does your child occasionally have discoloration on the skin beneath their eyes? It can be easy for a parent to worry, but dark circles are not a sign of anemia or a vitamin deficiency. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the most common reasons for a child’s dark circles and what a parent can do about them.

Does it seem like your child gets bad colds every winter? If it lasts longer than a month, there’s a good chance the sneezing and sniffling aren’t from a cold at all. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains how to tell the difference between seasonal colds and winter allergies.

Most adults have had a cold sore at some point—cold sores are very common. But what can you do as a parent if your child develops cold sores? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains how core sores are trigged in children and how you can prevent and treat your child’s cold sores.

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

An ingrown toenail can cause a lot of pain, especially in children. There are different causes for an ingrown toenail, but the most common are tight shoes. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner tells you how to identify ingrown toenail from other feet infections, prevention and what to do if your child gets one.

Nail biting is a common habit, but usually not a serious one for most children. Most children who bite their nails eventually lose the habit, but some may continue well into adulthood. In more serious situations, nail biting can lead to health concerns. There is no prescription to stop nail biting, but it can be addressed. Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the reasons why nail biting occurs and offers suggestions on how to help your child stop biting her nails.

It might seem like your child doesn’t eat enough, is never hungry or won’t eat, and you worry he or she will starve unless you spoon-feed them yourself. Don’t worry. It’s normal for a child’s appetite to slow down between the ages of 1 and 5. Normal doesn’t mean it’s pleasant, however. Dr. Cindy Gellner gives you tips on what you can–and shouldn’t–do to help your child through this period of eating struggles.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a virus that can cause rashes on the hands and feet and sores in the mouth—and can sometimes be mistaken for the strep throat infection. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner tells you how to distinguish the virus from strep throat and other similar illnesses. She also provides tips for treating the virus and how to help your child stay comfortable through their symptoms.