CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE Presented by the TexCare 60 Second Radio Feature   MP3 "Heart Murmurs and Your Child” FOR AIR WEEK OF October 8, 2001 Many parents fear the worst when their child is diagnosed with a heart murmur. 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. Despite its ominous sound, it’s important to know that this diagnosis is extremely common. In fact, nine out of ten children are found to a have a heart murmur at some point during their lives. The word “murmur” comes from a swishing sound made as blood flows through the hearts chambers or valves. Doctors can hear them with their stethoscopes. If your doctor believes it’s cause for concern, he or she may refer you to a pediatric cardiologist for further testing.  But remember, murmurs are common and unless told otherwise by your doctor, children with “innocent” heart murmurs do not require any restriction on their activities. 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.