The Olympics offer lessons about character, humility, and how we live alongside people who are different from us. Watching athletes compete fiercely while still showing deep respect for one another raises an important question for families today: how do we teach our children to hold strong values while also practicing empathy and kindness?

In this article Dr. Hertz explores how Zest’s Core Values are demonstrated by Olympians and what the Olympic spirit can teach us about excellence, respect, and guiding children through differences in a divided world.  

As winter stretches on, many families notice a quiet shift at home. Kids seem restless yet tired. Sleep feels off. Moods are more fragile. After months of shorter days, less outdoor time, and disrupted routines, children’s brains and bodies are simply out of rhythm.

This month’s blog explores an often-overlooked reset: movement — not intense exercise or packed sports schedules, but the steady, everyday movement that helps regulate mood, sleep, focus, and emotional resilience. As we move toward spring, small, consistent changes can help kids feel more balanced again — physically and emotionally.

Winter can quietly disrupt a child’s mood, energy, and emotional regulation. In this month’s Integrative Insights, Dr. Keili Mistovich explores why winter feels harder for so many kids—and offers practical strategies around light, movement, nutrition, and sleep to help families restore balance during the coldest months.

After the holidays, a lot of kids feel a little more “off”—stomach aches, constipation, mood swings, sleep disruption. This month’s Integrative Insights is a steady, no-extremes guide to gut health, with a simple “start here” action step you can try this week.

Cold and flu season is officially here — but your child’s immune system doesn’t have to struggle through it. This month, we break down the simple daily habits that make the biggest difference: food, sleep, movement, stress, and a few smart supplements. No gimmicks. No “immune boosters.” Just real, practical guidance you can use today.

Fall brings crisp air, changing leaves… and plenty of germs. Discover practical ways to keep your little ones healthier this season—and remember, your pediatrician is always on your team.

Worried about sugar this Halloween? The good news: candy won’t actually make your kids “wired.” Get practical tips for setting limits, staying safe, and still having fun.

Inflammation isn’t just about sore throats or sprained ankles. Low-grade, chronic inflammation can quietly affect your family’s energy, focus, and long-term health. The good news? Small, daily habits in food, exercise, and sleep can make a big difference.

Introducing Integrative Insights - a new feature from Zest about integrative medicine for children.

Thanks to the recently passed Primary Care Enhancement Act, starting January 1, 2026, families will be able to pay for Zest Pediatrics membership using tax-free dollars from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). That’s right—your monthly membership fee for personalized, relationship-based pediatric care can now be HSA-eligible, saving you hundreds of dollars a year!

Tick bites and Lyme disease - What you Should Know

Can you name one thing your kids can do every day that reduces their risk of chronic disease, strengthens their immune systems, reduces stress, and teaches them invaluable skills? Playing outside does all this, and more! 

Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and outdoor fun—but it can also disrupt your toddler’s sleep. With the extra daylight, warmer temperatures, and exciting changes in routine, many parents find that their little ones struggle to wind down. If bedtime has turned into a battle, don’t worry—you’re not alone!