Island Coast Pediatrics

12/15/2025

Hepatitis B is a virus that can damage the liver and lead to lifelong health problems. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents short-term illness (acute hepatitis) and a life-threatening infection called chronic hepatitis B.
Newborns need the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth. That’s because they could be unknowingly exposed to the virus during labor or shortly after coming home.
Other family members or caregivers can give hepatitis B to newborns. People often don’t know they are infected with the virus because they may look and feel healthy. To learn more, talk to your pediatrician and visit us at: icpeds.com/Hepatitis-B-Vaccine-What-You-Need-to-Know-VIS

12/12/2025

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, common in children. Key signs to watch for include a sore throat that worsens when swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, headache, and occasionally a rash.
If you suspect your child has strep throat, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis, often confirmed with a rapid strep test or throat culture. Treatment generally involves antibiotics to ease symptoms, prevent complications, and limit the spread of infection.
Try to get your child to drink adequate fluids.
Goal: keep your child well hydrated.
Cold drinks, milk shakes, popsicles, slushes, and sherbet are good choices.
Avoid foods that need much chewing. Avoid citrus, salty, or spicy foods. Note: fluid intake is much more important than eating any solids.
Swollen tonsils can make some solid foods hard to swallow. Cut food into smaller pieces.
For additional tips and resources, visit us at: www.icpeds.com/Strep-Throat-Infection

12/10/2025

Media is everywhere, and managing it all can be tough. Creating a Family Media Plan ca​n help you and your children set media priorities that matter most to your family. HealthyChildren.org has created a customizable tool to meet your family’s needs. www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx
Overuse of digital media may place your children at risk of:
Not enough sleep.
Delays in learning and social skills.
Obesity.
Behavior problems.
Problematic Internet use.
Risky behaviors.
Sexting and privacy and predators.
Cyberbullying.
For additional information on how to protect your family, visit www.icpeds.com/The-Media-and-Your-Family-Television-and-Other-Scr

12/02/2025

Protecting all children is our priority! 🩺 We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to keep your child safe and healthy. 👶 Keeping your child on schedule is easy—just check our comprehensive vaccination guide! ✅ https://www.icpeds.com/Services/Immunizations

11/25/2025

How to Fight Hunger in Your Community: Tips to Get Kids Involved from HealthyChildren.org.

Volunteering time and resources, inviting a friend to join for dinner, donating food to important local organizations can feed both the body and spirit. It supports your child's emotional health which, over time, makes a positive difference in their total well-being. Kids who are active in their community tend to do better in school and find it easier to stay out of trouble, for example. They're also less likely to experience depression.

Learn how your family can make a difference in ending childhood hunger. Explore tips for volunteering, donating food, and teaching kids about empathy and community care.​

11/24/2025

11/21/2025

Colds happen! 🦠 Did you know your child might get up to 6 colds per year, each lasting about 7 to 10 days? That’s a lot of management for parents! 😅 Understanding the common symptoms (congestion, poor appetite, etc.) and knowing effective at-home remedies like rest and saline is key to a smoother recovery. Learn how to navigate the cold season: https://www.icpeds.com/Colds

11/18/2025

Healthy Tips for cooking and feasting with the family
Ensuring food safety is crucial for maintaining health and preventing foodborne illnesses.
•When preparing meals, it’s important to cook and wash food thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens.
•Proper hand hygiene is essential—always wash your hands before and after handling food to prevent contamination.
•Sampling food safely means using clean utensils and avoiding cross-contact with raw ingredients.
•Keep raw foods separate from cooked or ready-to-eat items to prevent cross-contamination, especially in the refrigerator.
•Thaw frozen foods in the fridge rather than at room temperature to maintain a safe temperature and inhibit bacterial growth.
•When it comes to leftovers, promptly refrigerate or freeze them to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
If in doubt about their safety, it’s better to toss them than risk consuming spoiled food. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy meals that are both delicious and safe. For tips and resources, visit: https://www.icpeds.com/What%E2%80%99s-to-Eat-Healthy-Foods-for-Hungry-Children

11/13/2025

Seeing that high number on the thermometer is tough! 🌡️ A fever (over 100.4 degrees F) is just your child’s defense mechanism kicking in. Treat it with an over-the-counter fever-reducing medicine and remember this golden rule: They must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school or daycare. 🏡 Let’s keep everyone healthy! https://www.icpeds.com/Fever

11/10/2025

November 10 is celebrated as World Immunization Day, a significant occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vaccines and their vital role in preventing diseases. Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions, saving millions of lives every year. This day serves as a reminder of the progress made in combating infectious diseases through vaccination programs and highlights the ongoing need to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or economic status, has access to life-saving vaccines. By promoting education and advocacy, World Immunization Day aims to support global efforts in eradicating diseases and improving public health, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient world. Https://www.icpeds.com/Resources/Medical-Library/Immunizations

11/05/2025

Don’t let the flu stop you! Did you know that children 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year? Learn more about the flu vaccine: https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/flu/Pages/ask-the-pediatrician-flu-facts.aspx
Schedule your appointment today! Text to: 239-768-7337

10/31/2025

Cape Coral, Fort Myers restaurants offering free kids meals until SNAP benefits restore. Also, check out the resources from the American Heart Association for food, transportation and housing.