Dr. Amy Falk, MD

06/11/2026

Parents are surprised when I tell them this… but red, burning eyes after swimming usually are NOT from ‘too much chlorine.'

The irritation actually comes from chemicals called chloramines.

And chloramines form when chlorine mixes with sweat, dirt… and urine in the pool.

So yes — peeing in the pool contributes to the eye irritation and strong ‘chlorine smell’ people notice at public pools.

Proper chlorine levels are important because chlorine helps kill germs and keeps pools safe. The problem happens when chlorine gets used up reacting with contaminants.

That’s why well-maintained pools actually smell LESS harsh, not more.

Here’s how to help protect your child’s eyes this summer:
Encourage bathroom breaks before and during swimming.
Have kids shower before getting in the pool when possible.
Use swim goggles.
And rinse eyes with fresh water afterward.

Mild redness after swimming is usually temporary irritation.

But if your child has significant pain, swelling, light sensitivity, thick drainage, or worsening redness, that’s worth getting checked out because it could be something more serious than simple pool irritation.

So next time someone blames chlorine alone for burning eyes… the pool chemistry story is a little more complicated than that.

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2026

Swimsuit colors matter!!

When shopping for your family’s swim gear, it’s best to AVOID green and blue. Notice how Evan (the big kid) blends in a little too much in the water with his blue top. His hot pink pants save the day. Eli’s tomato red looks so wrong in the water: perfect for a parent spotting their kid.

The brighter the kid (or husband), the easier it is to spot in the pool, ocean, lake or river!

06/09/2026

The first inaugural “ReVision Wellness clinic retreat!!“

This little lady so proudly wears her clinic merch (and matching my quick outfit was her idea!!). and listen: we have zero time for hair and make up when we are in and out of the ocean all day 🪸🏖️

06/05/2026

If your child gets a nosebleed, where you pinch the nose actually matters.

Most people pinch the bridge of the nose — up high by the bones. But that’s not where nosebleeds usually come from.

Most nosebleeds happen from tiny blood vessels in the front, soft part of the nose.

So here’s the correct way to stop a nosebleed:
Have your child sit upright and lean slightly forward — not backward. Leaning back causes blood to run into the throat and stomach, which can cause nausea or vomiting.

Then pinch the soft lower part of the nose, right below the bony bridge. Hold firm pressure there continuously for 10 full minutes.

And don’t keep checking every 20 seconds to see if it stopped. Constantly letting go prevents clotting.

You can also use a cool compress on the cheeks or bridge of the nose, but pressure is the key.

Right now we see more nosebleeds because allergies, dry air, frequent nose blowing, and nose picking all irritate those delicate blood vessels.

Call your pediatrician if:
The bleeding lasts more than 20–30 minutes,
Your child seems weak or dizzy,
Or nosebleeds are happening frequently.

But most nosebleeds stop quickly when pressure is applied in the correct location.

Send a message to learn more

05/29/2026

Summer trampoline season is here… which also means pediatric ER season.

Every summer we see a huge increase in trampoline injuries — and most parents are shocked by how serious they can be. Broken arms, broken legs, concussions, neck injuries… even spinal cord injuries.

The biggest risk factor? Multiple kids jumping at the same time.

Especially when the kids are different sizes.

A larger child creates a much stronger bounce force, which can unexpectedly launch a smaller child into the air. That’s when we see awkward landings, fractures, and head injuries.

So if your family uses a trampoline, here are the most important safety rules:
One jumper at a time.
Always use safety netting.
No flips or somersaults.
And close supervision, especially for younger kids.

I know trampolines are fun. I’m not here to tell families they can’t have them. But I do want parents to understand that trampolines are not harmless backyard toys.

A few simple rules dramatically reduce the risk of a summer ending with an ER visit.

Send a message to learn more

05/20/2026

If your kid has allergies and you’re not doing this one thing… you’re making it harder than it needs to be.

Let’s talk about nasal rinses—one of the most effective, drug-free ways to treat seasonal allergies.

All that pollen floating around right now?
It gets trapped inside the nose and keeps triggering symptoms.

A simple saline rinse:
Washes out allergens
Reduces congestion
Helps kids breathe better
Can even reduce the need for medications

And no—you don’t have to jump straight to a neti pot.
For younger kids, try:
Saline spray
Gentle squeeze bottles
Mist systems

Pro tip:
Use it after outdoor play or before bed to clear everything out.

Is it glamorous? No.
Does it work? Absolutely.

Most kids tolerate it better than you’d expect—especially if you make it part of the routine.

If your child is struggling with constant sniffles, congestion, or itchy noses this season…
Start with a rinse.

Sometimes the simplest tools are the most powerful.

05/16/2026

Not every cough is a cold—and this time of year, it usually isn’t.

If your child has a lingering cough but no fever and seems otherwise okay…
there’s a good chance it’s allergies, not an infection.

Here’s what’s happening:
Post-nasal drip—mucus from the nose dripping down the throat—can trigger a cough reflex.

Clues it’s allergies:
Worse at night or early morning
Comes with sneezing or itchy eyes
No fever
Lasts for weeks, not days

So what helps?
Nasal saline rinses
Allergy medications (if needed)
Showering after outdoor play
Keeping windows closed during high pollen days

What doesn’t help?
Antibiotics. This is not a bacterial infection.

If the cough is disrupting sleep, worsening, or you’re unsure—get it checked out.
But don’t panic if your child has “the spring cough.”

This is one of the most common things we see this time of year.

Understanding the cause helps you treat it the right way.

05/11/2026

Melatonin is everywhere right now—but here’s what most parents aren’t being told.

Melatonin isn’t actually a sleep medication. It’s a hormone your body already makes to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

And here’s the key point: for most kids, sleep problems aren’t caused by a lack of melatonin.

They’re usually related to things like inconsistent bedtimes, too much screen time in the evening, or a routine that isn’t signaling to the brain that it’s time to wind down.

So when we give melatonin without addressing those habits, we’re often just putting a band-aid on the real issue.

Now, there are situations where melatonin can be helpful. Some children—especially those on the autism spectrum or with certain neurodevelopmental differences—may benefit from it when used thoughtfully and with guidance.

But for many families, there are other options worth considering before jumping straight to melatonin. Some parents find that supplements like magnesium glycinate or L-theanine can support relaxation and help ease the transition to sleep, especially when paired with good sleep habits.

That said, supplements aren’t a substitute for a solid routine.

What I recommend instead is focusing on building a strong sleep foundation. That means a consistent bedtime routine, turning off screens well before bed, and keeping sleep and wake times predictable—even on weekends.

Melatonin can be a useful tool in specific cases, but it’s not a shortcut to healthy sleep.

If your child is struggling, it’s worth stepping back and asking: what’s really getting in the way of good sleep?

Because that’s what we need to fix first.

Send a message to learn more

05/07/2026

Tick season is here in Wisconsin…which means yes, your kids are probably going to come inside with ticks attached at some point. 🫠

As a pediatrician in WI, I see tick anxiety ALL the time. And while Lyme disease is real and important to recognize, it also doesn’t need to cause panic every single time you find a tick.

A few important things to know:

-Ticks are incredibly common here. Daily tick checks matter more than avoiding the outdoors.

-Not every tick carries Lyme disease.

-Even when a tick *does* carry Lyme disease, it generally needs to be attached, embedded, and feeding for about 36–48 hours before transmission occurs. That’s why checking kids daily after playing outside is such a big deal.

If you find a tick:
• Use tweezers
• Grab close to the skin
• Pull straight out

That’s it. No burning. No nail polish. No petroleum jelly. (These can actually stress the tick and potentially increase transmission risk.)

If a tiny piece stays behind? Usually not an emergency. The skin will typically push it out naturally over time. You do not need to rush to urgent care because “the head is still in there.”

What SHOULD families watch for after a tick bite?

⚠️ Expanding rash (especially a bullseye-type rash)
⚠️ Fever
⚠️ Headache
⚠️ Joint swelling/pain (especially a swollen knee)
⚠️ Facial drooping/weakness

What is *not* usually helpful?
❌ Panicking over vague fatigue alone days later
❌ Testing every tick bite immediately
❌ Assuming every bite = Lyme disease

Bottom line:
Kids should still hike, camp, fish, explore the woods, and get dirty. We just pair outdoor life in Wisconsin with good tick habits, especially daily checks.

Send a message to learn more

04/30/2026

If your child says they’re too big for a booster seat… they might be wrong.

One of the most common questions parents ask is: “When can my kid stop using a booster seat?”

And the answer is later than most people think.

Booster seats are designed to make sure the seat belt fits properly, because adult seat belts are made for adult bodies.

Most kids need a booster until they’re about 4 feet 9 inches tall, which typically happens somewhere between ages 8 and 12.

Without a booster, the lap belt often rides up onto the abdomen instead of the hips, which can cause serious internal injuries in a crash.

The shoulder belt should cross the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.

A quick way to check if your child is ready is the 5-step seat belt test:

Their back sits all the way against the vehicle seat

Knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat

Lap belt stays low on the hips

Shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder

They can stay seated like that the whole ride

If any of those fail, they still need a booster.

Also important: booster seat laws vary by state, so make sure to check your state’s specific requirements and recommendations.

And remember, the safest place for kids under 13 is the back seat, even if they’ve graduated from a booster.

Because being “big enough” isn’t about age—
it’s about how the seat belt actually fits.