Healthy Kids Zone

Playgrounds are great for kids and parents. They let your children get rid of some of their seemingly endless energy and give them a chance to socialize with others. But sometimes kids don’t quite get along. As a parent, what should you do when your child encounters difficult children who may not let her play or who tease her? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner from University of Utah Health shares a few simple strategies you can use to help your children build the social and emotional skills to help themselves when “playground politics” get out of hand.

Playgrounds are great for kids and parents. They let your children get rid of some of their seemingly endless energy and give them a chance to socialize with others. But sometimes kids don’t quite get along. As a parent, what should you do when your child encounters difficult children who may not let her play or who tease her? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner from University of Utah Health shares a few simple strategies you can use to help your children build the social and emotional skills to help themselves when “playground politics” get out of hand.

Some mothers believe that breastfeeding can improve a child's brain development and paves the way for a successful future. But pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says more studies show that genetics, supportive parents and old-fashioned love and bonding are likely more important for your child.

New parents may worry that their newborn will have stomach problems if she doesn't burp after feeding. But pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says not to worry: the air in your baby will find a way out. She explains symptoms associated with colic and spitting up symptoms and why new parents shouldn't worry.

Kids cough for many reasons, but sometimes it worries parents. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says many coughing medicines promise to stop coughing, but studies show they generally don't work. “Try honey,” she says. Learn some other simple tips to naturally suppress a child's coughing.

Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed stimulant medications to help manage the condition. But parents may worry about how these medications might change or impact their kid's health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, says stimulant medications for ADHD actually claim the highest positive response rate for any mental health diagnosis. Learn what research has shown about how these medications work, why they work, as well as some common side effects and risks for children.

Your recently potty-trained child is fine holding it during the day but still wets the bed at night. Should you be concerned? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner answers this week’s listener question with everything you need to know about bedwetting in children.

Will shaving your baby's head make its hair grow thicker? Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says no. On this episode of Debunking Old Wives’ Tales, Dr. Gellner highlights some common misconceptions out there about what makes a baby's hair grow and gives some real, science-based tips for caring for your baby's hair.  

As a new parent, you’ve probably been taking your child to their first few checkups and been surprised at how many immunizations they’ve been receiving. In some cases, your child may receive up to 13 shots in the first year. Does your child really need them all? Dr. Charles White, a family medicine physician with University of Utah Health discusses why these immunizations are so important for your newborn so they can be protected from 15 of the more dangerous diseases out there.

Finding a lice infestation in your child's hair can cause panic. Lice are tiny gray insects that feed on your child's blood and can easily be spread to and from other children at school or daycare. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner says the good news is the infection can be treated with over-the-counter lice shampoo. If you suspect your child has lice, learn some tips to contain and prevent the infestation.