Healthy Kids Zone

With so many apps, it can be hard as a parent to keep track of all of them. If your child has a smartphone, it may be tricky to decipher what each app does. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the programs that may look harmless but are definitely not for children. Learn how to spot these dangerous apps and keep your kids safe.

Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains common childhood smells. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.

Pandemic fatigue is the mental exhaustion that comes from the sustained increase of stress and uncertainty during the global pandemic of COVID-19 and it can impact children just as much as adults. With few signs of the world returning to normal soon, how can you keep your kids spirits up? Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what she’s seeing in her young patients and strategies you can use to help your loved ones.

Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with a teenager, but it is too important to ignore—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teen depression, self-harm, and suicide have seen a rise as teenagers are cut off from their sense of normal. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner shares her personal and professional experience with suicide, and the importance of checking in with your child and helping them process what they are experiencing.

The National Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 by dialing 988.

Newborns can’t always control their developing eyes and sometimes go cross-eyed. But if your child is older than two months and you notice her or his eyes looking in different directions, something else might be going on. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner describes how to tell if your child’s eyes are developing in a healthy way.

Animals can provide comfort, this is a fact. But an emotional support animal is not a pet or a service animal and requires specific training and certification. Some parents may think to request a letter from their child's pediatrician if the child has an emotional disability and a pet helps calm their symptoms—pediatrician Dr. Cindy Geller talks about the criteria for a diagnosis that qualifies your child for an emotional support animal.

Well-child visits are still happening, even during a global health pandemic. The good news is your doctor's office is probably one of the safest places to be during COVID-19 outside of your house. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about what to expect during your child's visit, how doctors' offices are adjusting to COVID-19, and whether or not virtual well-child visits are a good alternative.

While the classroom may look different this year, school is still happening. As a parent, you worry your child might get infected if they are attending in-person classes. But if your child is remote learning, you worry they are not fully absorbing the learning materials. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about how to keep both students and teachers safe—in the classroom and at home—during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression that is linked to shorter daylight hours. About six percent of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the condition. On today's Health Minute, pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains the symptoms and treatment options that might help if your child has seasonal depression.

Just because you're social distancing, doesn't mean you can't celebrate Halloween this year. There are a lot of fun Halloween activities you and your family can enjoy—even during a global health pandemic. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner has some dos and don'ts on how to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19.