Before you send your children off to summer camp, make sure they're prepared!

Hi, I'm Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children's Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare - connecting Texas families with children's health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Going away to camp CAN be a great experience for your children, but there are a few health issues a parent should check out first. Call the camp director and ask questions, such as: Is there a doctor or nurse on duty at the camp? Are they full-time or part-time? What hospital is closest? And what kind of first aid training does the staff have?

Discuss any health problems your child has, and be sure the camp is able to handle them. Pack all prescription medicines your child will need for the entire stay. Taking the right steps will help ensure a safe summer camp-experience.

Keep your kids healthy. Call TexCare at 1-800-647-6558 to apply or when it's time to renew your children's health care coverage. That's 1-800-647-6558.