Healthy Kids Zone

Asthma causes shortness of breath, wheezing, or repeated coughing episodes, and it is commonly diagnosed at a young age. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses the signs and symptoms of asthma in children and what can trigger an asthma attack. Dr. Gellner also addresses the popular questions of whether asthma is related to allergies and if it can be cured.

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.

In the battle against your child's acne, parents often wonder about the efficacy of treatments. Does washing the face help prevent acne? Will popping pimples make them go away faster? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, addresses five realities and misconceptions surrounding the treatment of childhood and teenage acne.

Many parents have heard traditional beliefs or old wives' tales surrounding raising children, but are any of them true? Will wearing shoes accelerate a toddler's ability to walk? Does teething make your child sick? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about the veracity of these toddler tales, providing clarity on what holds true, and what remains a myth in the realm of child development.

You have probably heard the old wives’ tale, “Do not let your child eat sugar, or they will 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 is not. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, debunks common myths and shares what parents should know regarding their child's diabetes.

Noses can be pretty gross snot factories, creating mucus of all colors and consistencies. When should you be concerned? What if it’s green? What if it’s red? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, takes a look at four old wives' tales about children’s snot.

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.

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.

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