Tarpon Springs Pediatrics, Carlos A. Hidalgo, MD

12/22/2025

The Unsung Heroes of Caregiving: The Hanice Hart Foundation - A Caregiver Non Profit

In our community, we are surrounded by caregivers — individuals who dedicate their time and energy to look after children, aging parents, spouses, or friends. Caregiving is not merely a role; it often transcends into a sacred ministry. For many, it represents a profound calling, as these remarkable individuals step forth to care for those who cannot care for themselves.

Frequently, caregiving emerges from unanticipated circumstances, thrusting individuals into a role they never anticipated. Many find themselves as the sole provider of care, taking on responsibilities that demand immense sacrifices. These sacrifices can be far-reaching, affecting their time, health, social life, mental well-being, and financial stability. Even when compensated, the altruistic nature of caregiving transforms it into one of the most selfless professions in existence.

Despite the nobility of this calling, caregivers often face significant challenges, particularly the lack of support. Many report feeling isolated, as help may be scarce or insufficient compared to the overwhelming demands they face. This gap in support emphasizes the pressing need for community engagement and resources to uplift those who tirelessly serve as caregivers.

It is essential for us to recognize these unsung heroes within our midst and advocate for a culture of support and understanding, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to thrive in their vital roles.

The foundation’s mission:
https://thejanicehartfoundation.com/

At The Janice Hart Foundation, we believe that caregivers are the silent strength behind so many lives—and they deserve just as much care, support, and recognition as those they serve.

Our mission is to empower, uplift, and support caregivers of individuals with progressive and chronic illnesses through compassionate programming, mental health support, education, and advocacy.

We are committed to building a community where caregivers feel seen, heard, and valued. Through leadership, training, and resource-sharing, we work to ensure that no caregiver ever feels alone in their journey.

Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or someone who wants to support this vital community, we invite you to be part of our movement. Together, we can build a culture of kindness, care, and collective strength.

12/18/2025

Christmas PJ Day at the Office!

12/18/2025

It’s PJ Day at the office today! Our staff and some providers are in the holiday spirit! Everyone loves working with warm and soft PJ’s!

12/16/2025

Very important!
On parents dealing with a meltdown.

When a child is melting down, our instincts can take over — and not always the helpful ones.

We might lecture, rush to fix, or tell them to calm down… but these actually block co-regulation rather than build it.

Let’s talk about what not to do — and what to try instead — so we can truly help a child borrow our calm instead of our chaos.

via The Contented Child, Child Wellbeing Consultancy

12/15/2025

AAP Releases Its Own Evidence-Based Immunization Schedule

Since its founding in 1930, the American Academy of Pediatrics has been a leading voice in vaccine recommendations, creating evidence-based guidance to support pediatricians in caring for children and families. The newly published AAP schedule continues in this tradition.

The schedule represents formal recommendations from the AAP for routine immunizations for infants, children and adolescents against 18 diseases. The AAP schedule includes updated recommendations for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 immunizations for pediatric populations. In addition to the updated recommendations for the three respiratory viruses, the schedule incorporates recent updates regarding pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, the starting age of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, and removal of a hepatitis vaccine that is no longer available.

The AAP urges every insurer to cover all the vaccines that are included in this immunization schedule," Dr. Kressly said. "AAP is committed to working with our partners at the local, state and federal levels to make sure every child, in every community has access to vaccines."

Read more…. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/AAP-releases-its-own-evidence-based-immunization-schedule.aspx

12/15/2025

Fun, engaging, smart, QT! :)

Learn about your little one and deepen your connection by asking these silly, insightful, and thoughtful questions for toddlers. Tap the link in the first comment for more.

12/14/2025

PARENTS: We have seen some cases of Meningitis lately. This is a good read to help minimize the risk of your child getting this disease 🦠 during the Holiday Season when there are so many people, including relatives, who may be sick during the celebrations. If you have a newborn and there are sick children or adults around, please refrain from attending or letting anyone touch, hold, or kiss your baby!

Learn about meningitis types, causes and symptoms in infants, children and teens. Find out how vaccines and early treatment can help keep your child safe from some forms of meningitis.

12/13/2025

The brilliance of our bodies!

12/11/2025

AI & High Schoolers

1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship, or knows someone who has.

New survey data finds that nearly 1 in 5 high schoolers say they or someone they know has had a romantic relationship with artificial intelligence. And 42% of students surveyed say they or someone they know have used AI for companionship.

That's according to new research from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), a nonprofit that advocates for civil rights, civil liberties and responsible use of data and technology.

CDT conducted national surveys of roughly 800 sixth through 12th grade public school teachers, 1,000 ninth through 12th grade students and 1,000 parents. The vast majority — 86% of students, 85% of educators and 75% of parents — say they used AI during the last school year.

Laird says the surveys found higher levels of AI use in schools — defined as seven to 10 school-related uses for teachers, and four to six for students — correlates with increased exposure to data breaches, troubling interactions between students and AI and AI-generated deepfakes, or manipulated videos or photos that can be used to sexually harass and bully students.

"This technology is a new vector for sexual harassment and bullying, which were long-standing issues [before widespread use of AI]," Laird says, "and this has become a new way to exacerbate that."

According to the report, 28% of teachers who use AI for many school-related tasks say their school experienced a large-scale data breach, compared to 18% of teachers who don't use AI or use it for only a few tasks.

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/08/nx-s1-5561981/ai-students-schools-teachers

12/09/2025

This poster can be displayed in classrooms, study areas, resource rooms, or used in individual student intervention plans. It is also ideal for teaching executive functioning skills, supporting IEP goals, and collaborating with families who want practical techniques to reinforce routines at home.

12/08/2025

Navigating the Picky Eater Parent Journey: A Fun Guide to Feeding Toddlers!


Hey there, fellow picky eaters! So you’re tasked with feeding a tiny human who may or may not have the culinary adventure spirit of a raccoon? Welcome to the club! As someone who can’t remember the last time they ventured beyond the comfort of plain pasta, it’s crucial we don’t pass down our food neuroses to our little ones.

Let’s be real: toddlers are like tiny food critics. They can turn a perfectly good meal into a disaster with a single “Yuck!” So, here’s how to tackle the toddler dining experience like a pro while still keeping your own quirky eating habits intact.

First off, lead by example. Yes, that means daring to take a nibble of that green stuff on your plate—what’s it called again? Oh right, broccoli! Just think, if they see you bravely facing the mighty vegetable, maybe they’ll follow suit. And let’s hope they don’t turn into mini food critics on Instagram!

Now, simplicity is your friend. Stick with easy, no-fuss options. Imagine you're a food magician: p**f! Applesauce appears! Or maybe some yogurt that’s so fluffy it might float away. Simple foods add less drama, which we all need when meltdowns are only a snack away.

Make mealtime a laugh fest! Use fun shapes or silly names for food—call broccoli “little trees” or carrots “superpower sticks.” Who wouldn’t want to munch on those? A little creativity can turn ordinary meals into a whimsical food adventure worthy of a children’s book!

Don't forget to involve your tiny sous chef! Hand them a whisk (or a spoon) and let them “help” prepare meals while you work to prevent a kitchen catastrophe. Yes, there will be flour on the floor and possibly on the ceiling, but at least they’ll feel included!

And remember, having a regular eating schedule can ease the chaos. When they know mealtime is coming, they might not throw a tantrum that rivals an Oscar-worthy performance.

Lastly, let’s keep calm and carry on. If they refuse a food, treat it like it’s no big deal. Just toss it back on the plate like you’re casually flipping a pancake. Persistence is key—keep bringing back those foods without pressure—maybe one day you’ll find them munching on something green without a fuss.

So here’s the bottom line: let’s channel our inner food professionals, avoid passing on our picky habits, and raise adventurous little eaters instead! If this relatable chaos spoke to you, share your culinary journeys or your own picky eater struggles in the comments below. We’re all in this together—cheers to the wild world of toddler dining! 🍽️😂

12/04/2025

The power of gratitude! 🙏

The power of gratitude 🙏🏼

🧠 Our brains are exquisite neural networks, wired to process emotions, thoughts, and experiences. When we practice gratitude regularly, we're not just spreading positivity, but actually sculpting our brain's structure.

Research suggests that gratitude stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin – the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters. These compounds not only uplift our mood but also enhance our overall well-being. It's like a natural boost for our brain's happiness centers! 😄🌈

Read about the science associated with gratitude: https://bit.ly/4m513wh