Dr. Amy Falk, MD

02/03/2026

Norovirus is back—here’s what parents need to know.

If your child suddenly started vomiting with little to no warning, you’re not imagining things: a stomach bug is going around right now, and it’s usually norovirus (though there are other viruses that can cause similar symptoms).

Norovirus is extremely contagious. It spreads through close contact, contaminated surfaces, and even tiny droplets when someone vomits. That’s why it moves so fast through families, schools, and daycare settings.

Symptoms usually come on quickly: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, sometimes fever—and kids often feel pretty miserable for 24 to 72 hours.

Here’s an important thing many parents don’t realize: hand sanitizer doesn’t work well against norovirus. Soap and water are much more effective, especially after bathroom use and before eating.

The biggest risk with norovirus is dehydration, especially in babies and young children. Small, frequent sips of fluids are better than large amounts at once. Oral rehydration solutions are ideal, but even ice chips or teaspoons every few minutes can help.

Avoid anti-diarrheal medications in young kids unless advised by a pediatrician.

Call your pediatrician or seek care if your child:
-Isn’t peeing much
-Can’t keep fluids down
-Has signs of severe dehydration
-Or seems unusually lethargic

The good news? Most kids recover fully with supportive care.
It’s exhausting, but it does pass.

And when in doubt, check in with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance.

01/30/2026

A quick note for parents feeling uneasy about vaccines right now.

If recent headlines or social media posts have left you feeling uncertain or conflicted, you’re not alone. A lot of families are trying to sort through mixed messages, and that’s hard.

What I want parents to hear is this:
you don’t have to figure this out on your own, and you don’t have to rely on the internet to make decisions about your child’s health.

The childhood vaccine schedule supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to be based on pediatric expertise, long-term safety data, and ongoing review, but more importantly, it’s meant to be discussed, not blindly followed or rejected.

If you have questions or concerns, the most important next step isn’t debating online. It’s a conversation with a pediatrician or clinician you trust: someone who knows your child and can talk things through without pressure or judgment.

My goal has always been the same: to help families make thoughtful, informed decisions for their kids, grounded in evidence, context, and trust.

01/24/2026

“Is it a cold, flu, RSV… or COVID?”

If your child is sick right now, you’ve probably asked yourself that exact question—and you’re not alone.

Here’s the honest truth: early on, these illnesses can look very similar, especially in kids. Runny nose, cough, fever, fatigue—those symptoms overlap a lot.

So how do we think about the differences?

Colds usually start mild. Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, maybe a low-grade fever, and kids are often still playing and drinking.

Flu tends to hit harder and faster. Higher fevers, body aches, headaches, and kids often look miserable and wiped out.

RSV is especially common in babies and toddlers. It often starts like a cold but can progress to coughing, fast or labored breathing, or wheezing—those breathing symptoms are the big red flag.

COVID can look like any of these. Some kids have fever and cough, some have sore throat or congestion, and some barely have symptoms at all—which is why testing can sometimes help.

Here’s what matters more than naming the virus:

Is your child breathing comfortably?

Are they drinking enough to stay hydrated?

Are they alert and responsive when fever is controlled?

Seek medical care right away for trouble breathing, dehydration, persistent high fevers, or a child who just doesn’t seem right.

Most viral illnesses are treated with supportive care, and kids recover just fine—but knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.

When in doubt, reach out to your pediatrician. That’s what we’re here for.

01/21/2026

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially been accepted into, and have begun, a Pediatric Integrative Medicine certification program through the Academy of Pediatric Integrative Medicine. 🎉

Over the next 6 months, I’ll be deepening my training in how to thoughtfully integrate conventional pediatrics with evidence-based complementary approaches, including things like:

-appropriate, research-backed use of supplements

-nutrition as medicine

--mind-body tools for stress, sleep, anxiety, and behavior

lifestyle strategies that support the whole child, not just a diagnosis

I hear it every week from families: “We want something different, but we still want it to be safe and grounded in science.”
That’s exactly why I’m doing this.

This program is about expanding my toolkit so I can meet kids and parents where they are: blending the best of modern medicine with thoughtful, evidence-informed approaches that support long-term health.

I’m grateful to keep learning, growing, and bringing more options to the families I serve. 💛

01/10/2026

If your child has asthma or allergies, winter can be the perfect storm—here are the five things parents should check now before winter illness hits (if it hasn't already!)

Hi everyone! As we head into the coldest part of the year, I want to share a quick winter asthma and allergy check-in. These simple steps can help your child breathe easier and avoid those stressful, mid-winter flare-ups.

First, review all medications. Make sure daily controllers, rescue inhalers, and allergy meds aren’t expired and that you actually have enough on hand. Check spacers and nebulizer masks too—kids outgrow them faster than we realize.

Second, update your asthma action plan. If your child has been coughing at night, needing their inhaler more often, or having trouble keeping up during exercise, those are signs the plan may need tweaking. A quick check-in with your pediatrician can help get things back on track.

Third, remember that indoor allergens spike in winter. With windows closed and heaters running, dust mites and pet dander can flare symptoms. Washing bedding weekly, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and using air purifiers in bedrooms can make a noticeable difference.

Fourth, humidification matters. Cold air is dry air, and dry air makes airways cranky. Keeping indoor humidity between 30–50% helps reduce coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation. Too much humidity, though, can worsen dust mites—so that middle range is the sweet spot.

Fifth, have a sick-day plan. Viral season is in full swing, and colds are one of the biggest triggers for asthma exacerbations. Know what medications to start at the first sign of illness and when to escalate care.

And finally, listen to your child. If they’re breathing faster, using extra muscles to breathe, or just seem “off,” it’s always better to check in early.

A little preparation now can make the rest of winter much smoother for kids with asthma or allergies. Stay warm, stay healthy, and take care!

01/09/2026

💳 Quick FYI for parents with HSAs

Many families don’t realize this, so I want to make it clear:
Most direct pediatric care visits, including mine, are eligible for HSA spending.

That means you can use pre-tax dollars to:
• See a real pediatrician (not a revolving door urgent care)
• Get timely appointments
• Actually talk through concerns instead of rushing
• Get problems addressed—not punted

HSAs are an employer benefit meant to give families more control over healthcare decisions, not fewer.

If you’ve ever delayed care because of cost, access, or frustration with the system… this is often a really smart way to use those funds.

(As always, check your specific plan—but most HSAs absolutely allow this.)

01/06/2026

Let’s talk about one of the most common questions I get from parents: When should I worry about a fever?

First, a fever is not the enemy — it’s a sign that your child’s immune system is doing its job. Most fevers are caused by common viral infections, and the number on the thermometer doesn’t always tell the full story.

Here’s the key: how your child looks and acts matters much more than the exact temperature. If your child is alert, drinking fluids, making tears, and breathing comfortably — even with a fever — that’s usually a good sign.

You don’t need to rush to the ER just because the thermometer reads 103°F. Instead, focus on keeping your child comfortable: light clothing, plenty of fluids, and rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help if they’re achy or uncomfortable, but the goal isn’t to make the number go to zero — it’s to help them feel better.

Now, here’s when to call your doctor:

-If your baby is under 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher.

-If your child has trouble breathing, is unusually sleepy or irritable, has persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration like dry lips or no urine for 8+ hours.

-Or if the fever lasts more than 4–5 days.

Otherwise, trust that the fever is part of the healing process — and your child’s body is working hard to fight the infection.

I’m Dr. Falk with ReVision Wellness — reminding you that fevers aren’t always scary; they’re often a sign your child’s immune system is right on track.

01/02/2026

If your family feels extra tired, irritable, or overwhelmed right now, it might not just be the holiday chaos—it could be seasonal affective disorder.”

When the days get shorter and darker, lots of families notice a shift. Kids, teens, and even parents can experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD—a type of depression that shows up in winter.

In younger kids, SAD can look like mood swings, more clinginess, big reactions to small things, changes in sleep, or losing interest in playtime. They don’t usually say “I feel sad”—they show it through behavior.

Teens might sleep more, withdraw socially, feel constantly tired, lose motivation, or see their grades dip. It’s easy to assume it’s just “teen stuff,” but when it shows up every winter, it’s worth paying attention.

And adults feel it too—low mood, more anxiety, irritability, carb cravings, and trouble feeling energized. When parents are running low, the whole home feels that shift.

So what can help?

Get more light. Open blinds first thing in the morning and get outside daily, even for a few minutes. Many families find morning light therapy lamps (10,000 lux) helpful for teens and adults.

Keep routines steady. Even if winter schedules are busy, anchor your day with consistent wake times, predictable meals, and a calming nighttime routine.

Move your bodies. Exercise boosts mood chemistry and doesn’t have to be complicated—walks, stretching, or dancing in the living room all count.

Stay connected. SAD makes people want to retreat, but connection helps break the cycle. Try small, easy interactions—board games, hot chocolate chats, or inviting a friend over.

And most importantly, reach out if the mood shifts are lasting more than a couple of weeks, getting worse, or interfering with daily life. SAD is common, treatable, and nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Winter can be tough—but with the right support, families can get through it feeling steadier and more connected.

12/30/2025

Hi everyone,

If your family will be losing health insurance coverage in January 2026 (or having major cost increases) — you’re not alone. Many families are finding themselves in the same position as insurance plans and subsidies change under the new healthcare laws.

But here’s some good news: you do have options. One of the best alternatives for families who value access, transparency, and personalized care is Direct Primary Care, or DPC.

In a DPC practice, you pay a simple monthly membership — usually less than most people spend on a phone bill — and in return, you get unlimited access to your pediatrician for visits, calls, texts, and even telehealth. There are no copays, no surprise bills, and no waiting weeks for an appointment.

Families tell me they love knowing that their child’s care won’t depend on which insurance plan they have or whether a visit is “covered.” In DPC, you and your doctor decide what’s best — not the insurance company.

Most DPC families pair their membership with a low-cost catastrophic or “wraparound” plan, so they’re still protected for emergencies or hospitalizations — but they save hundreds, even thousands, each year on routine care.

So if your insurance coverage is changing in 2026, don’t panic. Reach out to your local DPC pediatrician and see how this model can help your family stay healthy, cared for, and stress-free — no matter what happens with insurance.

I’m Dr. Falk with ReVision Wellness, and I love that I can care for your kids — not their insurance cards.

12/27/2025

If your child is coming down with a cold, you’ve probably heard someone say, ‘Give them zinc!’ But… does it actually work?”

Let’s talk about what the research really shows.

Zinc isn’t a magic cure, but studies do suggest it can shorten the duration of cold symptoms—if it’s started early, ideally within the first 24–48 hours of symptoms. It seems to help the immune system block viral replication, which can shave off about a day or so of illness for some people.

But here’s the important part: form and dose matter.

The evidence we have mainly comes from zinc lozenges, not gummies or syrups. Lozenges release zinc ions directly in the mouth and throat, which is where they may interrupt viral activity. Gummies often don’t work the same way because they don’t dissolve slowly.

There are also age considerations. Lozenges are usually only appropriate for older kids and teens—typically ages 5 and up—because younger children can choke on them. And high doses can cause nausea or stomach upset, so more isn’t better.

What about prevention? Daily zinc hasn’t been shown to reliably prevent colds or the flu. It’s really more of a “use it at the first sign of symptoms” tool.

And a quick note: zinc doesn’t replace rest, hydration, saline sprays, honey for cough (for kids over 1 year), or good old-fashioned handwashing. It’s just one optional part of the toolbox.

If your child has ongoing medical conditions or takes daily medications, it’s always wise to check with your pediatrician before adding supplements—especially during the winter when illnesses stack up quickly.

Bottom line: zinc can help some kids and teens recover a bit faster from colds, but it’s not a cure-all, and it’s not for every age. Use it thoughtfully, start early, and pair it with all the usual supportive care.

Stay well this winter!

12/17/2025

So grateful for the opportunity to speak with Marsha from the Coven about my direct care clinic!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. 🧡
This year I’m especially grateful for the chance to practice pediatrics in a way that feels refreshing and genuinely connected — slower visits, real conversations, and care that isn’t rushed or dictated by insurance chaos.

Thank you to every family who has trusted me, supported this new model of care, or simply followed along out of curiosity. It’s been such a gift.
Wishing you a warm, restful holiday weekend!

Send a message to learn more