The RV is revved up with the new e-bike in tow, Dr Troast is set to begin a new chapter in life. We send him off with our heartfelt gratitude for all those decades of service to our Southwest Florida families. You will be deeply missed.
As a standard of care, a single Vitamin K shot is recommended for all newborns within the first hours of life to prevent fatal Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding, a potentially life-threatening condition in healthy infants that can cause serious bleeding, often from the nose, mouth, umbilical stump, or internally (brain, abdomen).
Starting with the 2026–2027 school year, Florida law (the " Second Chance Act ") requires 6th-12th grade student-athletes to have an Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) screening before participating in FHSAA-sanctioned sports. The mandate primarily targets incoming 9th graders and athletes new to the school, requiring documentation (EL1 form) for clearance. Who Must Get Screened: All incoming 9th-grade student-athletes, and any student in grades 10–12 who has never previously participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport. Returning Athletes: While not mandatory, returning athletes are strongly encouraged to get an ECG. Documentation: A new one-page standardized form (often referred to as EL1 or included in the EL2 packet ) must be completed to confirm the ECG. Exemptions: Parents may opt-out based on religious tenets or practices. What it Covers: The, non-invasive, test checks the heart's electrical activity for hidden conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Validity: An EKG completed up to 2 years prior to the 2026-2027 school year will satisfy the requirement.
Update: 2/26/2026 Measles cases have climbed to 85 across two Gulf Coast counties, according to new data released by the Florida Department of Health. Health officials report 83 cases in Collier County and two in Lee County, as the outbreak continues to spread weeks after it was first identified in late January. (read more) Update: 2/9/2026 Measles cases have been identified in Lee County and surrounding counties. If your child is a 1 year old or older and have not received his Measles (MMR) vaccine yet or 4 years or older and have not completed 2 rounds of Measles (MMR) vaccines then please avail of our Measles Vaccine Clinic the soonest possible to give your child a fighting chance. They are available at our clinic with daily appointments and extra clinics the next 2 weekends. Text us at (239)768-7337 to schedule your shot only visit or well visit if needed. Measles is a highly contagious virus with a 90% infection rate among unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. As of late January 2026, at least 2 cases of measles have been confirmed at Ave Maria University in Collier County, prompting concerns of a potential outbreak (the first cases of measles in Collier County since 2016) Measles: What Parents Need to Know How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak Protecting Your Baby Froma Measles Outbreak: FAQs
At Island Coast Pediatrics, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) vaccine recommendations to protect children from preventable diseases. These guidelines are established by experts to provide the most effective protection against preventable diseases. Vaccinations are a crucial part of pediatric care, safeguarding children from serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough. By following the AAP's schedule, we ensure that immunizations are administered at the optimal times for each child's age and development. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for your child's health care needs, and we are always available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about vaccinations. Contact your pediatrician and visit our website to view the recommended immunization schedule: Understanding the Benefits of Vaccines: Common Questions by American Academy of Pediatrics (click here to read) Immunization Handout: o to 6 years old vaccine schedule (handout includes hyperlink about diseases and the vaccine design to prevent them)
That means when your baby is born, you’ll be welcomed and cared for by the same trusted pediatricians who will continue to guide your child’s health as they grow. From those first precious days in the hospital to every milestone that follows, we’re here for you and your family. Newborn hospital visits Personalized pediatric care Continuity you can trust Serving families in our community with compassion, dedication, and experience. Island Coast Pediatrics – Caring for kids from day one.
A recent rise in counterfeit car seats for sale online can put your child’s safety at risk. These imitation products that may look like trusted brands but do not meet key safety standards. They are often made from low quality materials and don’t protect a child as they should in a crash. Make sure your child’s car seat includes: a federally required safety sticker a five-point harness strap and side impact protection minimum and maximum height requirements an expiration date manufacturer information an owner’s manual and registration card For more information on car seat brands, visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Product-Listing.aspx
HealthyChildren.org provides the following health tips to help your child start this school year strong. 1. Prioritize the basics: sleep, exercise & nutrition: Begin with the basics. Make sure your child eats nutritious meals, stays hydrated with water, and gets plenty of physical activity and sleep. 2. Stay up-to-date on checkups & immunizations: If your child has not had a well-child checkup in the last year, schedule a back-to-school physical. They may also require a pre-participation (sports) exam if they will be playing a sport at school. 3. Tune in to your child's mental health: Many children and teens have had mental health challenges over the past few years. Let your child know it's OK to talk about with you about how they're feeling. 4. Talk about racism, bullying & kindness: Some children are absent from school because of racism, hate or bullying. Talk with your child and encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if they are discriminated against or witness an act of bullying or discrimination against others. 5. Plan for mindful media use: The change in routine is a good time to create or update your family media plan so you can help your child balance screen time with sleep, exercise and other healthy activities. For helpful resources, visit: https://www.icpeds.com/Resources/Other-Resources
Sending your child off to college, the military and trying to get prepared? I am here to help you prepare yourself for this transition I am Dr. Bruno, a pediatrician who was definetley underprepared for dropping my first son off at college. So I am going to try to do better for you. I will start with - it is not ok, but it will be. I thought hard about what to call this blog and “breathe in… breathe out” came as a natural first choice. It brings us back to a tool you may have used (or at least learned) to bring this child into the world. Now you will need it to drop your heart off at college and walk away hoping you prepared them enough. The first year is eye opening for everyone and there are many obstacles settling into dorm life, sharing a room and space with strangers ( soon to be friends you hope- ps that doesn’t always work out). That’s ok, it is all part of the navigation. Learning how to feed themselves 3 meals a day - college meal prep blog is helpful. Plan to pick up some basic cooking equipment that is allowed in their dorms and most schools usually have a meal plan required in their first year when they live on campus. Don’t worry, they won’t starve. But those are the easy things - first you have to stop hyperventilating. Breathe in… breathe out… repeat 4 times and take a 2 minute time out. You can do this! (read more)
"The childhood and adolescent immunization program in the United States led to a more than 99% decrease in measles cases since 1963. However, travelers visiting or returning to the United States from other countries can spread measles to people who are at risk and cause an outbreak." HealthyChildren.Org
