Healthy Kids Zone

It might seem like your child does not eat enough, is never hungry, or will not eat at all, and you worry they will starve unless you spoon-feed them yourself. Do not worry. It is normal for a child's appetite to slow down between the ages of 1 and 5. Normal does not mean it is pleasant, however. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, gives tips on what parents can—and should not—do to help their child through this period of eating struggles.

Seasonal changes can profoundly affect children's mental health, especially in winter as days become shorter and it gets too cold to play outside. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains how seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can impact children, causing significant changes in their mood and behavior. Learn the biological underpinnings of SAD, its effects on serotonin and melatonin levels, and various treatment strategies from natural light exposure to clinical interventions.

Traveling by airplane with children can be a daunting task. But with the right preparation, it does not have to be stressful. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares essential tips for making air travel with your little ones just a little bit easier. From choosing between lap seating and purchasing an extra seat to navigating airport layovers and handling in-flight needs, get expert advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for the whole family.

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) can be alarming for new parents. But does your child's tongue actually need to be clipped? Cindy Gellner, MD, addresses the myths and facts about a frenotomy, from the diagnosis of tongue-tie to the actual procedure. Learn how to assess if your baby really needs treatment and the factors that should influence your decision.

Is your child's screen time causing more tantrums? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, reveals how excessive digital exposure can lead to emotional challenges in kids. Discover strategies to mitigate anger issues and promote healthier emotional development without resorting to tablets and smartphones.

Teens are spending more time on social media than ever before, and it is taking a toll on their mental and physical health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, addresses the urgent concerns surrounding excessive social media use among teenagers, the rising rates of depression, self-harm, and obesity linked to screen time, and how parents can step in to make a difference.

Tonsils are small glands on either side of the throat that stop bacteria from entering the body. They are an important part of your child’s immune system, but sometimes can become ‘ginormous’ and cause problems like difficulty swallowing, heroic snoring, or chronic strep throat. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the functions of tonsils and when you should consider getting them removed.

Children do not learn very well or get much out of school when they are sick. It is in your child’s and their classmates’ best interest to keep them home from school when they are not feeling well. But what body temperature is a stay-home-from-school temperature? What if your child only has a mild cough? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about how to know when to keep your child home from school, and when it is safe for them to return to school after recovering from an illness.

Your child complains of constant dizzy spells or vertigo. Could it be a symptom of something serious? According to Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, dizziness is a pretty common condition—especially for adolescents. Learn more about the causes of dizziness in children and treatments that can help.

Most teenagers do not get enough sleep as it is, and starting school before 8 a.m. can hurt their natural sleep cycles. Research shows they do better in school if they have later start times. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about why this is and how you can get involved to delay the start time of your teenager’s school day so she can be more alert in class.