CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE Presented by the TexCare 60 Second Radio Feature   MP3 "When Your Child Gets a Blood Test” FOR AIR WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2001 It’s one of the most common types of medical tests, and it can tell your doctor a lot about your child. Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt and this CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by the TexCare : a Texas initiative to provide children’s health insurance for only $18 a month or less to most families. You’ve probably heard of a “Complete Blood Count.” It doesn’t take much of a blood sample to determine how your child’s blood cells are working...sometimes less than a drop! The proper function of RED blood cells is to carry oxygen around the body. WHITE blood cells fight infection. And PLATELETS act as part of the clotting process to prevent bleeding. The term ANEMIA refers to not having enough red blood cells. A mild anemia may show no symptoms, but a greater degree of anemia may result in a tired or weak feeling. The most common type of anemia is nutritional, usually the result of not having enough iron in the child’s diet. But a study of the number and shape of the red blood cells can also your doctor tell a lot more about other conditions. Blood tests are a quick, vital and relatively painless way to learn more about your child’s health. This CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by the TexCare —reminding you that no child should be without health insurance. Call 1-800-647-6558 to apply for children’s health insurance that for most families is $18 a month or less. And join me next time for The CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE.