[Bradyams]

You're hand is strong, but not nearly strong enough to give away a free card. A free card could give bottom pair two pair, and bottom pair may have possibly folded the flop to a bet. You need to bet your strong hands for value. Don't be so worried about protecting your hand. You are still a favorite to a OESDs. Even if the straight card hits it's still rare that someone has it. Most people at these limits are just calling down with mid pairs, and UI pocket fours. You are usually ahead the whole field in this situation, just bet the flop, and don't risk it getting checked through.