ReVision Wellness

09/08/2026

If your child's bedroom looks like broad daylight at 8 p.m. this summer, blackout curtains might be one of the simplest sleep tools you're overlooking.

During the summer and early fall, longer daylight hours can make bedtime tough, especially for younger kids whose bedtime arrives well before sunset.

That's because our sleep-wake cycles are strongly influenced by light and darkness. Darkness helps create an environment that supports our body's natural sleep signals, including melatonin. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a dark sleeping environment as one way to support healthy sleep.

So yes: blackout curtains can absolutely be helpful, especially if your child's room gets a lot of evening light, early-morning sunshine, or bright outdoor lighting. AAP guidance even specifically suggests heavy or blackout curtains when light is bothering a teen's sleep.

But blackout curtains aren't magic.

The bigger picture still matters: a consistent bedtime and wake time, a calming bedtime routine, a comfortable room temperature, and getting screens out of the bedroom are all important pieces of healthy sleep.

And don't make the entire day dark. Morning and daytime exposure to natural light helps reinforce your child's circadian rhythm too.

So if later sunsets are wrecking bedtime? Blackout curtains are a reasonable, and pretty simple, thing to try.

09/02/2026

Your child wakes up with a pink, goopy eye. So… are they contagious for 24 hours? Three days? A week? The answer is: it depends on what's causing the pink eye.

"Pink eye," or conjunctivitis, isn't one single illness.

If it's allergic conjunctivitis, it isn't contagious at all.

If it's caused by a virus—which is very common in school-aged children—it can spread while your child is having symptoms. Think of viral pink eye a little like the common cold: kids may actually be contagious before you even realize what's going on.

And here's something parents are often surprised to hear: antibiotic eye drops don't treat viral pink eye or make it less contagious. Adenovirus, a common cause of viral conjunctivitis, can even remain contagious for quite a while.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is different and may sometimes need antibiotic drops, depending on the situation.

So does every child with pink eye need to stay home until they've had drops for 24 hours? Not necessarily. School and daycare policies vary, but AAP parent guidance notes that many cases are viral and shouldn't automatically require antibiotics or prolonged exclusion.

Your best defense? Lots of handwashing, avoid sharing towels and pillows, and try to keep those little hands away from the eyes.

If you're unsure what type your child has, that's a great reason to check in with your pediatrician.

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08/13/2026

If your child only complains that their legs hurt at bedtime, but they're running around perfectly during the day, it may not be what you think.

Parents often worry that nighttime leg pain means something serious, but many children experience what's commonly called growing pains.

Despite the name, we don't actually know that they're caused by growth. What we do know is that they're common in young children, especially between the ages of about 3 and 12.

Growing pains usually happen in the evening or at night, often after an active day. They're typically felt in both legs, especially the calves, thighs, around the knees, and they're gone by morning.

Kids with growing pains don't limp. They don't have swollen joints. And they're able to run, jump, and play normally during the day.

Gentle massage, stretching, a warm heating pad, or an age-appropriate dose of pain medicine if needed can often help them feel better.

But here's when it's worth calling your pediatrician.

If the pain is only in one leg, causes a limp, wakes your child every single night, comes with swelling, redness, fever, weight loss, or continues into the daytime, that's not a typical pattern for growing pains and deserves a closer look.

Most growing pains are completely harmless, but knowing what is and isn't normal can help parents know when to seek medical advice.

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08/08/2026

That huge mosquito bite on your child's arm might look alarming, but it doesn't always mean it's infected.

Every summer, I hear the same concern from parents: "This mosquito bite is huge! Does my child need antibiotics?"

Most of the time, the answer is no.

Kids often have much stronger reactions to mosquito bites than adults. Their immune systems respond more dramatically, so the bite may become very swollen, red, warm, and incredibly itchy over the first 24 to 48 hours.

That doesn't automatically mean it's infected.

A normal mosquito bite reaction usually itches much more than it hurts. It often peaks in size after a day or two before slowly improving.

To help with symptoms, use a cool compress, try an over-the-counter anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone if appropriate for your child's age, and consider an oral antihistamine if your pediatrician recommends it. (benadryl is out, the long acting ones like zyrtec/claritin are in!). And as hard as it is, encourage your child not to scratch, since scratching is what often leads to a true skin infection.

So when should you worry?

If the redness keeps spreading after a couple of days instead of improving, becomes increasingly painful, starts draining pus, or your child develops a fever, it's time to have it evaluated.

Big doesn't always mean infected. Sometimes it just means your child's immune system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do.

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08/04/2026

If you're checking your child for ticks, you're probably missing the most common hiding spots.

It's that time of year when kids are spending hours outside—hiking, camping, playing sports, or just exploring the backyard. And with all that outdoor fun comes an increase in tick bites.

The good news is that one of the best ways to prevent tick-borne illnesses is also one of the simplest: a thorough tick check at the end of the day.

But here's where parents often miss them.

Ticks love warm, hidden places. Be sure to check behind the ears, along the hairline and scalp, under the arms, inside the belly button, around the waistband, behind the knees, between the legs, and around the groin. They can be incredibly small—some are no bigger than a poppy seed.

If you find a tick, don't panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting, burning it, or covering it with petroleum jelly. Those methods don't work and may actually increase the risk of disease transmission.

Most tick bites don't lead to illness, but keep an eye out over the next few weeks. If your child develops a fever, unusual fatigue, severe headache, or a spreading rash—especially one that looks like a bull's-eye—contact your pediatrician.

A two-minute tick check after outdoor play can make a big difference. It's one of the easiest summer habits you can build into your family's routine.

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07/30/2026

If you've been hearing about a parasite linked to fresh produce lately, here's what parents need to know."

You've probably seen recent headlines about cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora.

The good news is that it's not something most parents need to panic about—but it's helpful to know what it is and what symptoms to watch for.

Cyclospora is most commonly spread by eating fresh produce that's been contaminated, such as leafy greens, herbs, or berries. Unlike many other causes of diarrhea, it isn't typically spread directly from one child to another because the parasite needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.

Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes low-grade fever. One thing that makes Cyclospora unique is that symptoms can come and go over several weeks if it isn't treated.

Most stomach viruses improve within a few days, but if your child's diarrhea is lingering, keeps coming back, or they're becoming dehydrated, it's time to contact your pediatrician.

Unlike viral diarrhea, Cyclospora can be treated with a specific antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, so making the correct diagnosis matters.

The best way to lower your family's risk is to wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them. While washing may not remove every parasite, it's still an important food safety habit. Also, stay informed about any current food recalls involving fresh produce.

And remember, the biggest concern with any diarrheal illness in children is dehydration. Encourage frequent fluids and watch for signs like a dry mouth, decreased urination, no tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness.

The takeaway? Cyclospora isn't the most common cause of diarrhea we see in kids, but it's something pediatricians keep on our radar—especially during the summer months when fresh produce consumption is high and outbreaks are more likely to occur.

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07/20/2026

Most childhood drownings happen with an adult nearby.

Let that sink in for a second.

Many parents imagine drowning looks like it does in the movies—yelling, splashing, and calling for help. But in reality, drowning is often silent and can happen in less than a minute.

As a pediatrician, I want every family to know a few pool safety rules that can save lives this summer.

Rule number one: Designate a Water Watcher. One adult should be responsible for actively watching the water without distractions. No phone, no scrolling, no reading, and no assuming someone else is watching.

Rule number two: Layers of protection matter. Fences with self-latching gates, pool alarms, and locked access points help prevent unsupervised access.

Rule number three: Floaties are not life-saving devices. Puddle jumpers and water wings can give a false sense of security. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are a much safer option for inexperienced swimmers.

Rule number four: Enroll kids in swim lessons when they're developmentally ready. Swimming skills can significantly reduce drowning risk.

And finally, learn CPR. It's one of those skills you hope you'll never need, but if you do, it can make all the difference.

Pools create some of the best family memories of summer. Let's make sure they're safe memories too.

A few simple precautions can prevent a tragedy that happens far too often every year.

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07/16/2026

Your child's boredom this summer might actually be one of the healthiest things that happens to them.

I know it's tempting. You're trying to work, clean the house, run errands, or just survive summer break. Your child says, "I'm bored," and handing them a screen feels like the easiest solution.

But before you reach for the tablet, hear me out.

Boredom isn't a problem that always needs to be fixed.

In fact, boredom is often where creativity begins.

When kids don't have constant entertainment, their brains start looking for ways to engage with the world. They build forts. They make up games. They draw. They read. They create imaginary worlds. They learn to solve problems and entertain themselves.

Psychologists have long recognized that unstructured time helps kids develop creativity, independence, resilience, and frustration tolerance. Those are skills that don't come from a YouTube video or a video game.

Now, I'm not anti-screen. Screens absolutely have a place in many families. But if every moment of boredom is immediately filled with digital entertainment, kids miss opportunities to practice those important life skills.

So the next time your child says, "I'm bored," try not to panic.

You don't need to become their cruise director.

Instead, you might say, "That's okay. I wonder what you'll come up with."

They may complain for a few minutes. They may wander around the house dramatically. But give them some time.

You might be surprised by what happens when their imagination finally gets a chance to do the work.

This summer, don't be afraid of boredom.

Sometimes boredom is where childhood does its best work.

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07/13/2026

Your child says their ear hurts after swimming. Is it swimmer's ear… or a regular ear infection?

This is one of the most common questions I get during the summer.

Swimmer's ear and middle ear infections can both cause ear pain, but they're actually very different problems.

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal—the tunnel leading into the ear. It often happens after swimming because moisture gets trapped in the canal, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Kids with swimmer's ear often complain that it hurts when you touch, pull, or wiggle the outside of the ear. The ear canal may look red, swollen, and tender.

A regular ear infection is deeper behind the eardrum. These often occur after colds, allergies, or upper respiratory infections.

Kids with a middle ear infection usually don't have pain when you tug on the ear. Instead, they may have fever, congestion, trouble sleeping, or seem generally miserable.

The treatment is different too. Swimmer's ear is usually treated with prescription ear drops, while middle ear infections may require a different approach.

So if your child develops ear pain after lots of pool time, don't automatically assume it's a standard ear infection.

The location of the pain—and whether touching the outer ear makes it worse—can provide a really important clue.

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07/10/2026

Babies and sunburn are a combination we never want to see.

During the summer, parents often ask me, 'What's the safest way to protect my baby from the sun?'

The answer depends on age.

For babies younger than 6 months, shade is your best friend. Use stroller canopies, umbrellas, hats with wide brims, and lightweight clothing that covers the skin. Whenever possible, avoid prolonged direct sun exposure altogether.

For babies older than 6 months, sunscreen becomes an important tool.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to exposed skin. Remember that sunscreen works best when it's applied before going outside and reapplied every two hours, or sooner if your child has been swimming or sweating.

And don't forget easy-to-miss spots like the ears, tops of the feet, back of the neck, and scalp if hair is thin.

Try to plan outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is less intense.

And remember, a single blistering sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Sun safety isn't about keeping kids indoors all summer. It's about helping them enjoy the outdoors while protecting their skin for years to come.

A little prevention today goes a long way toward keeping your child healthy tomorrow.

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