Tarpon Springs Pediatrics, Carlos A. Hidalgo, MD

08/20/2025

Numbers of bones in a 1 yr old child:
A. 206
B. 270

08/20/2025

⭐️Tomorrow Thursday 6:30pm ⭐️
Parenting: Social Media Boundaries & School Success Seminar

📣 Parents & Caregivers of Middle Schoolers—this one’s for YOU!

We hope your first week back to school was as easy-breezy as it could be!

We’re excited to share that we are partnering again with National Louis University, the Florida School of Professional Psychology, and Family Psychological Services of Palm Harbor, Inc. to bring you the next session in our Family Resource Series.

🎒 Topic: Back to School & Middle School Success
📅 Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 PM
📍 Join us in person at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA or via Zoom https://bit.ly/4oxsdh4

This session will cover important topics to help you support your middle schooler, including:
✅ Reestablishing school routines
✅ Creating academic success
✅ Balancing social media & screen time
✅ Friendships & peer pressure in a digital age
✅ Bullying & cyberbullying
✅ Discipline & setting healthy boundaries

👉 This event is for adults and open to the community.
👉 Fill out the link here to register, https://bit.ly/4khV46N and we’ll send you a reminder (with the Zoom link if needed) the day of the event.

💡 Coming in November to the series: Managing Holiday Stress & Family Transitions (date TBD).

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and set your middle schooler up for success this school year!

08/19/2025

University of South Florida researchers are using artificial intelligence to identify signs of post-traumatic stress disorder in children.

It's challenging to recognize signs of PTSD in children because it can be hard for them to share their stories, said Alison Salloum, a professor in the USF School of Social Work, who is leading the study along with Shaun Canavan, an associate professor in the Bellini College for Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.

One of the main symptoms of PTSD is avoidance, which is not wanting to talk about what happened, Salloum said.

She said parents will come in and say that their child has changed — they could be getting in fights with friends and siblings, having angry outbursts, not expressing positive feelings, and pushing people away.

When conducting online clinical trials to find psychosocial treatments for children, Salloum began to notice their expressions as they discussed their experiences.

“It can be very distressing for a child to have to talk about what happened,” she said. “So to be able to have a tool that we could use to recognize facial expressions would be incredibly helpful.”

The system looks for muscle movements on children's faces — whether they are smiling, neutral, looking at a parent or therapist, or looking down.

Read more… https://www.wusf.org/health-news-florida/2025-08-18/usf-researchers-use-ai-recognize-ptsd-signals-children

08/15/2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children and teens receive an annual influenza vaccine this fall to keep them healthy and active in the classroom as they begin a new school year.

The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses are cocirculating. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered, as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation.

Antiviral treatment of influenza is recommended for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or progressive disease or have underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of influenza. In this situation, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible regardless of duration of illness. Antiviral treatment is an option in the outpatient setting for other children with suspected or confirmed influenza in some circumstances.

Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is an option in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are asymptomatic and are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or those who are not expected to mount an effective immune response.

More… https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2025-073620/202845/Recommendations-for-Prevention-and-Control-of

Also see the technical report here:
https://watermark02.silverchair.com/peds_2025073622.pdf?

08/15/2025

08/14/2025

The new school year has commenced! 📌📚🎓🚌📓📖📅🖇️⚽️

As the new school year begins, boosting immune health becomes essential, especially with the onset of flu season and other common illnesses. Here are some proactive, creative, science-based strategies to strengthen your family's immune systems:

1. Nutrient-Rich Foods: Focus on a colorful plate! Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants. Think citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes. Smoothies can be a fun way for kids to pack in nutrients.

2. Fermented Foods and Probiotics: Include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha to support gut health. Consider fun cooking activities together, like making homemade yogurt or smoothies with probiotic boosters.

3. Stay Hydrated: Water is crucial for overall health. Make hydration exciting by infusing water with fruits, herbs, or even edible flowers. Encourage kids to carry their colorful water bottles to school.

4. Creative Hygiene Habits: Turn hand washing into a fun game. Use songs or timers for a playful routine—a cheerful hand-washing chart can encourage kids to participate after school or before meals.

5. Sleep Hygiene: Establish a cozy bedtime routine. Consider a family “tech-free hour” before bed with reading, storytelling, or calm music to help everyone wind down and sleep better.

6. Daily Outdoor Play: Spend at least 30 minutes daily outside, regardless of the weather. Encourage activities like scavenger hunts, nature walks, or even building forts to make it enjoyable and engaging.

7. Mindful Moments: Implement short daily mindfulness or gratitude practices. Encourage each family member to share something they’re thankful for each day, fostering emotional resilience.

8. Limit Sugary Snacks: While it’s tempting to stock up on sweets, opt for fun, wholesome snacks instead. Involve the kids in creating healthy treats, like fruit popsicles or energy balls made from oats and nuts.

9. Incorporate Physical Activity: Create a family challenge with activities like jumping rope, dancing, or playing sports. Consider rewards for reaching milestones together, making it motivating and fun.

10. Get Seasonal Vaccinations: Stay informed about flu shots and any other necessary vaccinations. Make it a family event to get vaccinated together, and reward the kids with a fun outing afterward.

By incorporating these creative and proactive strategies, you can help build stronger immune systems and prepare for a healthier school year, all while fostering family bonding and resilience!

Happy School Year 2025-2026! 🌺

08/13/2025

High-potassium diets show consistent mental health benefits

In a recent article published in the journal Nutrients, researchers investigated the relationship between the intake of minerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron, and the incidence of depression among adults in the United States and Korea.

They found that Korean adults with higher intakes of potassium and sodium were less likely to experience depression, with phosphorus showing a borderline association, a finding similar to that of American adults with higher intakes of potassium and zinc, with iron showing borderline significance.

More…https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250812/High-potassium-diets-show-consistent-mental-health-benefits.aspx

08/11/2025

Happy Back to School: 2025-2026 school year is upon us! We wish our patients a wonderful school year!

08/11/2025

⚠️Teenager Warning! Parents beware!⚠️

What is “Feel Free” sold at your nearby gas station?

Feel Free was launched by Botanic Tonics in 2020. Feel Free Classic contains kava root, which is touted for its relaxing effects, and kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that’s known for its stimulant and opioid-like effects.

Misha Brown was walking into his local Circle K gas station in Austin, Texas, when he says a teenage boy approached him and asked him to buy him “Feel Free.” When Brown said no, he said he believed the boy tried to grab his wallet. Teenagers have free reign to buy these anywhere!

It’s the kratom in Feel Free that has experts and health officials concerned. The Food and Drug Administration declared kratom to be an opioid in 2018 and has taken steps to crack down on products related to it. Kratom is not federally regulated, though five states — Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island and Wisconsin — have banned it, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service.

Kratom “is concerning to me,” said Dr. Robert Levy, an addiction medicine expert and an associate professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “I’ve seen [kratom addiction] and treated it many times,” Levy said.

More on the subject…https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/tiktok-warnings-spread-herbal-tonic-feel-free-rcna223179

It is important for parents to be aware of what is happening out there regarding trends. Teenagers are a target. Talk talk talk to your kids about it and keep a close eye!

08/11/2025

Wishing our new Moms a wonderful week! 🌹🌼🌺🌸🪻🌻

08/09/2025

Transitioning from pediatrician to adult care


Transitioning young adults from pediatric to adult care is a vital process that requires careful planning, open communication, and robust support.

One of the first steps in this journey is to start early—ideally around the ages of 12 to 14. At this stage, healthcare providers should begin educating young individuals about their health conditions and treatment plans, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy. This early engagement not only empowers young adults but also prepares them mentally for the changes ahead.

As the transition progresses, it's essential to develop skills necessary for navigating adult healthcare. This includes teaching young adults how to schedule appointments, understand their insurance options, and manage medications. By fostering these skills, healthcare providers can help them become more independent and confident in handling their own healthcare.

Creating a comprehensive transition plan is another critical element of this process. In collaboration with both pediatric and adult care providers, families can develop a written plan that outlines timelines, responsibilities, and available resources. This structured approach can ease the anxiety often associated with such a significant change.

Emotional support also plays a key role during this transition. Young adults may feel apprehensive or anxious about moving from a familiar pediatric setting to adult care. Addressing these emotional needs is crucial, as it helps them navigate their feelings and understand that it’s okay to seek help.

Moreover, identifying suitable adult healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and empathetic toward the unique challenges young adults face is essential. This ensures that they feel comfortable and supported in their new care environment.

Parents and guardians should remain involved throughout the process. Educating them on how to support their young adult while encouraging independence fosters a healthy balance. Additionally, providing information about available resources—such as support groups and community services—can empower both young adults and their families.

Finally, monitoring and following up with young adults after the transition is crucial. Regular check-ins can help ensure they feel confident in managing their health and comfortable with their new care providers. By prioritizing these steps, healthcare professionals can facilitate a smoother transition for young adults, ultimately promoting better long-term health outcomes.