Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Good oral hygiene may be linked to memory health

In the last decade, mountains of research have been conducted on the brain and the way a person’s memory changes over time. But before you reach for the Ginkgo Biloba, you may want to consider reaching for the toothbrush instead.

Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of gum health on a person’s memory, and many experts predict that brushing and flossing may reduce the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s. Studies have already shown that gum disease increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke, perhaps due to the inflammatory response caused by periodontitis or microorganisms in the mouth. Now, researchers suspect that mental health can also be affected by a person’s gums. According to the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, connections have already been found between severe dementia and gum disease.

To keep your gums healthy, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, as well as use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Most importantly, schedule regular visits with a dentist on your True Care Advantage discount dental plan and ask questions. Staying informed is the first step to staying healthy.

Monday, July 30, 2012

A trip to the chiropractor can ease arthritis pain

More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from arthritis. If you are one of them, you know that joint inflammation can cause everyday activities to become painful. Fortunately, there is a solution that does not require any medications or unnatural remedies. Chiropractic care is a well-documented way of reducing the pain and symptoms associated with arthritis.

According to Chiropractic America, chiropractors help restore communication between your nerves and bodily tissues, reducing any disruption caused by arthritis. A visit to the chiropractor can help take away any existing pain or inflammation in your joints and even prevent more deterioration from occurring in the future. This is possible because chiropractic care corrects misalignments in the vertebrae that cause changes in the way nerves communicate with a person’s brain, cells, and other organs. With a properly aligned spine, a person can more easily heal and function naturally.

To learn more about easing your arthritis with chiropractic care, talk to a chiropractor on your True Care Advantage plan. With True Care Advantage, you can save up to 50 percent on diagnostic and other services at more than 3,000 doctors nationwide.

Friday, July 27, 2012

New prescription drug rids children of stubborn head lice

If you or your child has ever had lice, you know how difficult it can be to clear up. This is especially true if the lice have become resistant to the products usually recommended to kill them. Studies have shown that in some cases, lice become resistant to the typical pyrethroid treatments, leaving parents at a loss of what to do to remove the parasites.

In these instances, many people are now turning to Stromectol, a pill newly introduced that contains ivermectin, which is used to prevent heartworm in dogs. When tested, the drug cleared all lice in 95 percent of patients after two weeks. The effectiveness of Stromectol was discussed in the New England Journal of Medicine in March. In the article, study results indicated that one young girl experienced seizures after taking the pill, but such negative side effects are not expected to be common.

To learn more about drugs like Stromectol, talk your doctor. By using your True Care Advantage discount plan, you can get significant savings on everyday prescriptions. Find out how by calling 1-800-747-6190.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

Many people wait until they feel pain in their mouth to get their wisdom teeth – also known as third molars – removed. However, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, waiting is not always the wisest choice. Even if your mouth doesn’t hurt, extensive damage can be occurring under the surface.

People who wait longer often have more complicated procedures because the roots of the teeth grow longer and make removal more difficult. AAOMS estimates that 85 percent of people will eventually need their wisdom teeth removed and suggests that this is best done in young adulthood. Removing the teeth by the time a patient is a young adult helps ensure optimal healing and reduces the chance for periodontal infections in the surrounding tissues. Wisdom teeth are removed while a patient is under anesthesia, so it is important to talk to an oral surgeon on your True Care discount dental plan about your options. He or she will describe the procedure and give you tips to make your recovery as smooth as possible.