Healthy Kids Zone

Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down what is happening to cause the nasty cough. She suggests some at-home treatments, discusses how a pediatrician can help, and when it is time to go to the ER.

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.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mimics the symptoms of a really bad cold. It is especially dangerous for premature babies and children with existing lung or heart ailments and generally requires special treatment. Cindy Gellner, MD, describes the virus, its symptoms, how it differs from the common cold, and what actions to take if you suspect your child has RSV.

Does your child’s nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It’s pretty typical for kids to hurt their nose as they play and explore. Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about how you should treat your child’s injured nose at home and when it’s time to go to the doctor.

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.