PODCAST · health
Healthy Kids Zone
by University of Utah Health
Keep your kids healthy and happy. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner is passionate about preventive care and the power of reading aloud to your children. Dr. Gellner will keep parents informed about the latest trends and issues facing children today, plus give tips that will help raising your kids a little less stressful.
Episodes
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Diagnosing Strep Throat in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Does your child have strep throat, or is it just a common cold? It can be challenging but important for parents to understand the differences in throat infections in kids. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down how to identify strep throat in children, discussing everything from palatal...
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Why You Shouldn't Skip Your Child's Pediatric Doctor Appointments
As a busy parent, it is easy to let your child's routine doctor appointments slip through the cracks. But skipping or missing those check-ups can affect your child's health and keep other children from getting care. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why keeping those appointments matters…
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Dizzy or Fainting? Understanding POTS in Teens
Dizziness and fainting are common in teens and can have many causes, from dehydration and anxiety to not eating enough. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what makes postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) different. Learn about symptoms and causes of POTS, possible risk factors…
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Understanding the Umbilical Cord and Care
A healing umbilical cord can look alarming to new parents: oozing, bleeding, even a leftover stump. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the anatomy behind it, why the yellowish discharge is normal, and how umbilical granulomas are treated. Learn how to care for your newborn's umbilical cord…
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The Basics: Your Daughter's Painful Urination
Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination when using the bathroom? It could be more than a urinary tract infection. Girls' parts can be very sensitive, especially between the ages of potty training and puberty. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains the most common causes of…
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What Kind of Burn Is It, and Does My Kid Need the ER?
Not all burns are treated the same. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down the differences between chemical, electrical, and thermal burns in kids, including the three degrees of thermal burns and how home care differs from an emergency room visit. Learn why first-degree burns can be managed...
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The Basics: Newborn Reflexes and Movements
Newborns make many strange movements and show unexpected behaviors during the first year of life. They can startle, suck on their hands, strike a fencing pose, pause their breathing, and even roll their eyes, and much of it is completely normal. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains some of…
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The Basics: A First Aid Guide to Playground Injuries
Playgrounds equal fun, but also falls, scrapes, and the occasional broken bone. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, covers common playground injuries, from simple cuts to forearm fractures and head bumps, and explains which ones need a Band-Aid versus a trip to urgent care or the pediatric emergency...
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How to Make School Mornings Easier for You and Your Kids
From forgotten lunches to last-minute outfit debates, school mornings can be challenging. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares strategies to make them smoother, including setting up backpacks the night before, limiting screen time until after school, and sending kids off with a positive…
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The Pediatrician-Approved Back-to-School Health Checklist
Preparing for the new school year means a lot more than just buying school supplies. From medication forms and updated vaccines to vision checks and sleep routines, pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares a comprehensive checklist to help parents make sure their kids are physically and emotionally...
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Debunking Old Wives' Tales: The Truth About Your Baby's Hair
Will shaving your baby’s head make their hair grow back thicker? Does cutting their hair before their first birthday cause bad hair? And can eating carrots or bread crusts actually make your child’s hair curly? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, separates fact from fiction as she tackles some of the...
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Debunking Old Wives' Tales: Burping Babies After Feeding
Many parents worry that if their baby does not burp after a feeding, they will end up with gas, colic, or an upset stomach. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, examines the research behind one of the most common pieces of parenting advice and explains what studies have found about burping, spit-up…
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The Poop on Poop: What Parents Need to Know About Constipation in Kids
Constipation is one of the most common concerns parents bring to their pediatrician, but knowing what is normal can be confusing. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why every child’s poop patterns are different, how to recognize true constipation, and why some common concerns may not actually be…
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Managing Asthma in Children
Asthma can be a daunting diagnosis for parents, but it can be managed effectively with the right knowledge and tools. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses how asthma affects the airways and makes it difficult to breathe while outlining the medications used to treat and manage the condition....
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Debunking Old Wives' Tales: Summer Safety Tips for Your Kids
Summer fun comes with its fair share of advice—but not all of it holds up. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, busts some of the most common summer safety myths, from the outdated rule about swimming after eating to dangerous misconceptions about sunscreen and helmets. Learn how to keep your kids…
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5 Important Developmental Milestones to Watch for in Your Baby
Most parents eagerly watch for milestones like rolling over, crawling, and walking, but some of the earliest and most important developmental signs can be easy to overlook. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, highlights five key milestones that provide valuable insight into a baby’s social, language,...
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Preventing and Treating Sunburns in Kids
Sunburns are not just uncomfortable—they are a sign of real skin damage that starts in childhood and can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares how to prevent sunburns with proper sunscreen use, when to seek shade, and why babies and fair-skinned...
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Chicken Pox Or Something Else?
When a child develops an itchy rash, many parents immediately worry about chicken pox. But thanks to vaccination, most rashes in school-age children are caused by something else entirely. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, debunks chicken pox myths. Learn how to tell when a rash might not be chicken...
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How to Recognize Measles Before the Rash Appears
Many people associate measles with its distinctive rash, but the illness actually begins days earlier with symptoms that look much like a severe cold. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains how to recognize the warning signs of measles, why the virus spreads so easily, and the serious...
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Does My Child Have ADHD?
Young children typically have a lot of energy and short attention spans. Still, with over 6.1 million children in the United States diagnosed with ADHD, parents often worry about their children being too hyperactive. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares what behaviors you should be on the…
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Measles or Something Else? How to Tell Common Childhood Rashes Apart
Measles is on every parent's radar right now, but the disease is just one of many childhood rashes that can look alarming. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, details the most common viral rashes in kids—from measles and chickenpox to scarlet fever, roseola, and hand, foot, and mouth disease—and...
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Treating Your Child's "Barking Cough" at Home
Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down what is happening to cause the nasty cough. She suggests some at-home treatments, discusses how a pediatrician can help, and explains...
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The Basics: Helping Your Baby Get Through Painful Pooping
Straining, crying, and turning red without producing a bowel movement can leave parents worried that something is seriously wrong. But in many cases, it is a normal developmental phase called infant dyschezia. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why babies struggle with bowel movements and...
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My Child Has Night Terrors—What Can I Do?
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why a small percentage of children experience these and how you can help when it happens. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to…
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Debunking Old Wives' Tales: What You Should and Shouldn't Be Feeding Your Baby
From rice cereal for better sleep to giving babies water on hot days, many feeding habits are rooted in outdated advice rather than current science. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, says while these practices may seem harmless, some can actually interfere with development or even pose health…
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Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Teens: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Teen marijuana use is rising, especially through vaping, and many parents and teens may assume it is relatively harmless. But regular cannabis use during adolescence can affect brain development, academic performance, and mental health. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about cannabinoid...
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How to Make Your Child Comfortable While They Recover From the Flu
If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares advice for making the flu as bearable as possible for your little ones. Learn what foods your child...
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Flu Vaccine Facts Every Parent Should Know
Every flu season brings the same questions: Does the vaccine really work? Can it cause the flu? What if my child has an egg allergy? The evidence strongly supports annual immunization for nearly all children over six months of age. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains vaccination options,...
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Excessive Newborn Crying: When to Worry and When It's Normal
Many parents are unprepared for how intense newborn crying can become in the first few months of life. The Period of PURPLE Crying describes a normal developmental phase when babies cry more frequently, more unpredictably, and often in the evening hours. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains...
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How to Get Your Child Off the Pacifier
Pacifiers can be a powerful soothing tool in infancy. But when comfort stretches into the toddler and preschool years, it can quietly create new problems. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD, walks parents through when pacifier use stops helping, the age milestones that matter most, and realistic...
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Dark Circles in Kids: Common Causes and When to Take Action
Dark circles under a child's eyes look dramatic, but they are rarely a sign of anything dangerous. Most cases come down to nasal congestion or simple genetics. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why some kids naturally look more shadowed under the eyes, how allergies or blocked noses can...
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The Best Toy For Your Child's Development at Every Age
Choosing the right toy is not about what is trending—it is about how children learn at each stage of development. From infants discovering the world through sound, texture, and cause-and-effect, to older kids using play to explore identity, creativity, and independence, the best toys grow with a...
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Your Child's ADHD Could Be Misdiagnosed
Diagnosing ADHD in very young children can be complicated, especially when behaviors that look like symptoms may simply reflect age and maturity. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what is developmentally normal, and how factors like family changes, anxiety, or classroom demands can mimic...
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The Basics: Finding the Right Formula for Your Baby
Choosing a baby formula does not come with a one-size-fits-all answer. Babies tolerate formulas differently. Some thrive on standard milk-based options while others need sensitive, reflux-friendly, or specialized formulations. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, gives guidelines on how to spot what...
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Why Young Children Get Sick More Often and What Parents Can Do
Young children get sick far more often than adults, and it is completely normal. Most healthy kids come down with about six viral illnesses a year—and preschoolers and early elementary-aged children can have even more, especially when school starts and germs spread quickly. Pediatrician Cindy...
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Updated Car Seat Guidelines to Keep Your Child Safe on the Road
What is the appropriate age, height, and weight to switch your child from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat? Beyond recommendations, specific guidelines and laws ensure children's safety in passenger vehicles. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about current car seat regulations and…
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease vs. Strep: How to Tell the Difference
Fever, sore throat, and a painful, spotty rash can look a lot like strep—but often the culprit is hand, foot, and mouth disease. This common childhood virus spreads easily and can affect kids of any age, even adults. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about how the disease is transmitted, the...
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Is It a Cold or Winter Allergies? How to Tell the Difference in Kids
If your child's "cold" has dragged on for weeks, it may not be a cold at all. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why winter allergies are often mistaken for repeated viral infections. Learn the key differences to look for, what symptoms actually signal allergies, and when it is time to let...
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What Pediatricians Want Parents to Know About Child Therapy
Therapy is not a last resort—it is often the best first step for children with anxiety, mood changes, or behavior concerns. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why early support matters, how therapy can work even when medications are not an option, and what families should expect from a...
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How Play Builds Smarter, Happier, More Resilient Kids
Play is more than a pastime—it is vital for healthy brain and emotional development. From boosting creativity and problem-solving skills to buffering stress, play is one of the simplest and most effective tools for growth. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, talks about why unstructured, screen-free...
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Understanding and Managing Food Allergies in Children
Food allergies in children are becoming increasingly common—and often misunderstood. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down the difference between an allergy and an intolerance, the most common triggers, and why some kids are more at risk. Learn how to recognize allergic reactions, what to…
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Use Parent-Teacher Conferences to Check Learning and Mental Health
Ten minutes with your child's teacher can reveal more than grades—it can surface early signs of anxiety, attention issues, or social struggles. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, discusses how to prep and what to ask so you can spot learning delays, behavior red flags, and "mental milestones" like...
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Debunking Old Wives' Tales: Common Misconceptions About Your Baby's Teething
Many parents link fevers, diarrhea, and even ear pulling to teething. But are those symptoms actually related? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down what teething does and does not cause, along with how to tell when your baby's fussiness might be connected to more than just new teeth.
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How to Help Your Child Let Go of Thumb-Sucking
Thumb-sucking is a normal comfort habit for younger children, but when it lingers past age four or five, it can affect dental health and become harder to break. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains when thumb-sucking is harmless, when it becomes a concern, and the most effective, positive…
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The Basics: What to Expect When Your Baby Starts Teething
Every baby teethes differently—some barely notice it, while others act like it is the end of the world. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why the experience varies so widely and how parents can support their little ones through this phase. From timelines to treatment tips, learn what to...
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Debunking Old Wives' Tales: Why Your Child Isn’t Actually on a Sugar High
For decades, parents have blamed sugar for their children's wild energy—but research tells a different story. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains how placebo studies, parental expectations, and social cues contribute to the myth. She also shares smart strategies for managing sugar in your...
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How to Tell Oral Allergy Syndrome from Food Allergies
A food allergy does not always mean hives or trouble breathing. For some people, eating certain raw fruits and vegetables can cause an itchy or swollen mouth instead. This is known as oral allergy syndrome. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why people with seasonal allergies may develop…
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The Basics: Taking Your Baby's Temperature
When your baby feels warm, it does not always mean they have a fever. A baby's age and how you take their temperature matter more than you think. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why certain thermometers are more reliable than others, when to use rectal vs temporal scans, and how to...
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What to Do When Your Baby Sounds Congested
Newborns cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths either, so even a little mucus can sound dramatic. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares what is normal when it comes to newborn sneezing and snorting, how to use saline and suction safely, and when to…
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Helping Your Child Recover from Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea caused by the stomach bug are common in children and typically resolve with at-home care. But how do you know when to manage it yourself and when to seek medical help? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, offers guidance on spotting signs of dehydration, understanding the virus's...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Keep your kids healthy and happy. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner is passionate about preventive care and the power of reading aloud to your children. Dr. Gellner will keep parents informed about the latest trends and issues facing children today, plus give tips that will help raising your kids a little less stressful.
HOSTED BY
University of Utah Health
CATEGORIES
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