CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE Presented by the TexCare 60 Second Radio Feature   MP3 "Strep Throat” FOR AIR WEEK OF December 31, 2001 Strep throat can sometimes lead to serious complications if not treated properly. 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. About ten percent of children who have a sore throat and fever are infected by a type of bacteria called Group A Streptococci. It can cause an inflammation in the throat that makes swallowing painful. Call your doctor if your child has symptoms of Strep throat. That’s especially true if someone in your family or in your child’s school has recently had it. It’s important to wash drinking glasses and eating utensils in hot, soapy water if someone in your home has Strep throat. And wash your hands often if you’re treating a child with Strep. If ignored or not treated fully with antibiotics, complications may occur including an illness that can lead to heart disease and arthritis. 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.