What is a generic medication?

Generic medications are generally created after the patent of a name-brand medication has expired. At this time, pharmaceutical companies can get the approval of the FDA to sell an equivalent product under a new name. The Generic Pharmaceutical Association explains that in order for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to be approved to market a generic drug, the drug must contain the same active ingredient; be identical in strength and dosage; and be equal in strength, purity and quality.

It also must be manufactured under the same strict regulations as the brand-name drug. Generic drugs can be found by asking your doctor or pharmacist about their availability. In general, most prescriptions can be substituted with a generic alternative, but it's always a good idea to check ahead of time. Because of the FDA's strict guidelines about the making of generic drugs, consumers should be assured that their generic drugs will be of the same quality and effectiveness as the brand name product.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association cautions people to not be thrown off by a difference in color or presentation; often, this is just to respect the patent of the original drug. Cosmetic differences will not impact the functionality of any prescription. For more information about purchasing generic medicines, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the options available to you. Generic drugs are a great way to maximize your savings, especially when you combine them with your True Dental Discounts - discount card.

The importance of fluoride for children

You may have heard your dentist talk about the need for fluoride, but have you ever paused to consider exactly what it does? Fluoride is an element that is used to prevent tooth decay by strengthening a person’s teeth. By hardening molars and other teeth, fluoride helps to prevent cavities in adults and children alike.

However, it is especially important for children to get enough fluoride because their teeth are still growing and are prone to decay. Fluoride is found naturally in water and some foods, but most people get supplements from products like toothpaste and mouth wash. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that most children up to age 16 may need some time of fluoride supplement.

It’s important to talk to your dentist about your child’s dietary and oral hygiene habits in order to determine a need for extra fluoride. Children who consume large amounts of sugar or have a history of decay are especially at risk. If it is decided that a fluoride supplement is needed, a dentist will use one of several options. He may use water fluoridation or also suggest a topical treatment in the form of a gel or foam.

These treatments are applied at the office and are considered to be both safe and effective. Only a small amount of fluoride is needed to make a difference, but the earlier a child’s teeth can be treated, the better. Keep this in mind as you consider asking your dentist about your children’s fluoride needs. A little treatment now could save them many cavities down the road.

Hidden dangers to a child’s vision

It’s a well-known fact that sports can present a hazard for children’s vision, but did you know that one in particular is responsible for the most injuries? According to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, baseball is the No. 1 cause of sports-related injuries in children ages 5 to 14. The unpredictable nature of sports makes it easy for accidents to occur, which is why experts recommend that kids always use protective eyewear.

But the playing field is not the only place parents should be alert for dangerous objects. Some vision hazards – including scissors, forks and pencils – are found right at home. The foundation suggests that parents look out for such common items as paper clips, rubber bands, fish hooks, clothes hangers, and other items with sharp or pointed edges. In particular, children should be closely supervised when in the presence of darts, BB guns, and other missile-firing toys.

All of these objects have the potential to permanently damage a child’s vision should circumstances go awry. Finally, the foundation recommends keeping children away from all types of sprays and cleaners, as the chemicals can be highly dangerous. Vigilance is a parent’s best tool, so keep your eyes out for any potential dangers – obvious or hidden. An eye doctor on your True Dental Discounts vision plan can help you pinpoint specific hazards in your personal life and advise you on the best ways to keep your child safe and healthy.

What is behavioral observation audiometry?

The critical impact of hearing loss on a child’s ability to communicate means it is essential to identify any existing problems at the earliest age possible. One method of identifying hearing loss in infants up to 7 months of age is known as behavioral observation audiometry. Conducted by a specially trained audiologist, these observations involve scrutinizing a child’s behavior when presented with a variety of sounds.

Noises made by chimes, bells, scrunched cellophane, and other objects are used during the test, and the child is then monitored for any change in behavior. The audiologist will look for behavioral responses like awakening from sleep, startling, widening of the eyes, bodily movement and turning of the head. Even changes in breathing patterns or the rate a child sucks on a pacifier can be signs of sound perception. Although these tests often present immediate and compelling results, it is important to conduct them in concurrence with other auditory tests.

The sooner a child’s hearing loss is identified, the less chance he or she has of experiencing a delay in learning or communicating. For this reason, it is important to schedule an appointment with an audiologist who can help you rule out or more closely investigate any issues with your child’s hearing. By using your True Dental Discounts membership, you can get significant savings on high-quality care.

How sealants can save your child’s teeth from decay

One of the best-kept “secrets” when it comes to children’s oral health is the sealant. These decay-preventing treatments are simple, painless, and effective – yet only about one-third of children have them, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sealants are essentially painted on to a child’s teeth and act as a shield against harmful bacteria and sugars. This treatment is especially important for the back molars, as they contain deeper ridges and are harder to clean with a toothbrush.

During the simple procedure, your child’s dentist will clean and dry the targeted tooth. A solution is then applied to roughen the surface of the tooth and help the sealant stick more effectively. Next, the tooth is dried and the liquid sealant is applied. Within a few seconds, the sealant hardens into the ridges of the tooth and is ready to start protecting your child’s mouth from decay. That’s it – really! The NIH suggests that children who get sealants are able to save time and money later on because they have fewer fillings and other decay-correcting procedures. Best of all, with proper care, sealants can last up to a decade.

During that time, if your dentist starts to notice any wear, he or she can reapply the sealant. According to the NIH, the most critical time to apply sealants is as soon as a child’s back molars erupt. This generally occurs between the ages of 5 and 7 for the first set, and again between 11 and 14 for the “12-year molars.” To learn more about sealants and guarding your child’s teeth against decay, talk with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan. It’s one of the most important investments you can make toward your children’s health.

The link between chiropractic care and a healthy immune system

Chiropractors have known for years that taking care of your spinal health can lead to better physical health, as well. Now, research is uncovering the same link. A study in the Journal of Physiological and Manipulative Therapeutics showed that the health of a person’s immune system may be directly affected by the health of a person’s nervous system. In the study, white blood cells were shown to have receptor sites for chemicals produced by the nervous system.

According to Chiropractic America, this suggests that white blood cells can communicate with the nervous system. Researchers concluded that spinal misalignments can cause harm to a person’s immune system by interrupting the link between the nervous system and immune system. People who visit their chiropractor regularly may be able to stay healthier by restoring that communication and correcting any interruptions.

Use your True Dental Discounts plan to find a chiropractor who can help you learn more about the connection between a healthy immune system and chiropractic care. By using your plan, you can save a lot of money on preventative care that can help increase your overall wellness and happiness.

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 Dental Discounts plan. With True Dental Discounts, you can save up to 50 percent on diagnostic and other services at more than 3,000 doctors nationwide.