Healthy Kids Zone

When your child isn’t feeling well, it’s easy as a parent to think of the worst-case scenario. Could that stomach ache be appendicitis? Could a neck ache be meningitis? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner calms your parental fears and explains common reasons why your child might not be feeling well and the rare symptoms you should be worried about.

Overuse of antibiotics can make a person more vulnerable to sickness, even a child. Recent studies reveal many prescriptions for antibiotics were likely unnecessary because antibiotics don't work on viral infections. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains several important things parents should know about antibiotics and gives tips to keep in mind when caring for a sick child who may just have a viral infection.

Dandruff—those small white flakes of dead skin that can gather on a child's shoulders—is normal and can be treated with the right hair care. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the causes and prevention of dandruff in children.

When your child is sick, you want any medicine you can have to help them feel better and fast. But does your child really need antibiotics for what they have? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the myths and facts about when antibiotics can help your child and when they can do more harm than good.

When your child is sick, you want any medicine you can have to help them feel better and fast. But does your child really need antibiotics for what they have? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the myths and facts about when antibiotics can help your child and when they can do more harm than good.

"But I need a phone!" is a commonly heard plea from school-aged children. When is your child ready for their own cell phone? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the Wait Until 8th campaign and offers some important mental and physical factors that parents should consider before giving their kid a phone.

"But I need a phone!" is a commonly heard plea from school-aged children. When is your child ready for their own cell phone? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner talks about the Wait Until 8th campaign and offers some important mental and physical factors that parents should consider before giving their kid a phone.

A choking child can be very scary for a parent. In children, choking on a rubber balloon is the leading cause of death for non-food objects. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says parents should avoid giving kids foods that can be a choking hazard, such as gum, hard candy, or popcorn. Learn what other things can cause kids to choke, and what parents can do to prevent choking.

Older siblings might not always be thrilled with the arrival of a new baby. Sibling rivalry could kick in, but there are steps parents can take to ease the transition and allay your older child's concerns. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says involving your older child with preparations, such as choosing a name or gift for the new baby, can help. Learn some other actions parents can take to help older children adjust to a new baby in the family.