Island Coast Pediatrics

05/01/2026

Protect your family’s skin today to prevent skin cancer later! ☀ Since a huge portion of lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood, the AAP recommends keeping babies under 6 months in the shade and dressing everyone in tight-weave clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15–50) 15–30 minutes before heading out—even on cloudy days—and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM) and remember: a “base tan” is actually a sign of skin damage. Let’s keep the outdoor fun safe and sunburn-free!
https://www.icpeds.com/Fun-in-the-Sun-Keep-Your-Family-Safe

04/28/2026

Dear Patients and Friends,

After many years of practicing medicine and a gaining a few more gray hairs than I care to admit, the time has come for me to hang up my stethoscope and officially retire, effective May 21st, 2026.

When I started this practice, I could not have imagined the incredible community that would grow from it and it has proven to have been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Over the years, you’ve trusted me with your children’s health, your stories and sometimes your best (and worst) jokes. The relationships with you is what has mattered the most.

What began as a small idea turned into a lifetime of amazing connections and each of you has been part of that story. It has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my life to care for your family, to share in your stories, and to earn your trust over the years. While I may be retiring, the practice is in excellent hands. Island Coast Pediatrics providers and staff will continue to provide you with the same thoughtful, dedicated care you deserve and I have complete confidence in them you will be taken care of.

As for me, I’m looking forward to more time to begin new journeys, travel and make new memories. I will also be taking some of the advice I’ve been giving all these years about reducing stress. I may even try to become a better patient myself, though I make no promises.

Thank you for letting me be your doctor. I will truly miss you and I will carry these years with me always. Wishing you all continued health, happiness, and just enough exercise and new adventures to keep things interesting.

With heartfelt gratitude, 💙
Darrell L. Troast, DO

Founder of Island Coast Pediatrics, May 1st, 1990

04/22/2026

04/16/2026

Ever feel like your toddler is in charge? 😅 Gentle parenting isn’t about letting kids run wild—it’s about setting firm boundaries with LOVE. Aggression is usually just BIG emotions + tiny vocabulary.
Here are 10 ways to guide behavior & bring more calm to your home:
➡️Stay Calm: Your energy is their blueprint. 🧠
➡️Validate Emotions: “I see you’re angry, but we don’t hit.”
➡️Teach “No”: Encourage words over physical reactions. 🗣️
➡️Use Redirection: Move them to a new activity immediately. 🔄
➡️Be Consistent: Rules should be the same every day.
➡️Praise Kindness: Catch them being good and praise it! 💖
➡️Identify Triggers: Tired? Hungry? Overstimulated?
➡️Model Behaviour: Show them how you handle frustration.
➡️Give Choices: Gives them a sense of control (e.g., “Red cup or blue cup?”
➡️Use Time-Ins: sit with them to regulate, not isolate. 💌 Save this for the next meltdown!
For additional resources and tips, visit: www.icpeds.com/Discipline-and-Your-Child-1
AggressionInKids ChildDevelopment

04/14/2026

Your child is growing faster than you can keep up with—and we’re here to help you navigate all the leaps and bounds! Well-child visits are the best way to stay on track with immunizations, monitor physical development on the growth curve, and discuss the “big stuff” like behavioral changes and safety. Our goal is to empower you with the right information at the right time, from the very first week of life through the teenage years. Schedule your next visit today!
https://www.icpeds.com/Services/Well-Child

04/10/2026

Parents know their children best. If a parent has concerns about their child’s development, it is best to act early to help the child and family get the services and support they might need.
Parents can Act Early by:
1. Sharing concerns with their children’s healthcare provider
2. Asking for developmental screening
3. Getting connected to early intervention services
For additional resources on autism, visit our website at
www.icpeds.com/Resources/Other-Resources
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04/07/2026

Keep your child’s hay fever under control this season with a proactive plan! 🤧 Hay fever affects about 15% of children, and the secret to relief is consistency—give long-acting antihistamines (like Zyrtec) daily during the two+ months of pollen season to prevent breakthrough symptoms. Help your child breathe easier by using saline drops to wash pollen out of the nose, and soothe itchy eyes with a cold washcloth or over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops. To keep the “outside” out, keep windows closed, use the car’s recirculate air setting, and have your child shower and shampoo before bed to wash off the day’s allergens. If symptoms don’t improve after two days of treatment, reach out to your pediatrician! 🩺 https://www.icpeds.com/Hay-Fever

04/01/2026

It’s Autism Acceptance Month. Let’s celebrate the unique perspectives of autism. Together, we can create a more inclusive world. For tools and resources, visit our website at: https://www.icpeds.com/Resources/Other-Resources Select: Autism Resources

03/31/2026

🚨 Measles is making headlines in Lee County, but you have the power to protect your little ones! 🛡️
It is highly contagious, but with the 2-dose MMR vaccine series, your child has 97-99% protection.
🗓️ UPDATES for when to Vaccinate due to the outbreak:
1️⃣st Dose: 6 months and up
2️⃣nd Dose: 1 month after the first vaccine
⚠️ IMPORTANT FOR INFANTS: Infants aged 6-11 months need an early dose and second dose for children age 1 to 4 years who received one dose and live in Collier or Lee County. Contact us immediately to 📲 CONFIRM YOUR CHILD’S STATUS: TEXT US at 239-768-7337!
🔗 Learn more at icpeds.com/MMR-Measles-Mumps-amp;-Rubella...
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ChildHealth HealthyKids

03/30/2026

Happy Doctors’ Day to all the incredible providers! Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a significant difference in the lives of countless families. Thank you for your unwavering commitment. To learn more about the amazing team behind the exceptional care, please visit: https://www.icpeds.com/Our-Practice/Providers