Quackery: Being an Informed Consumer Course Summary Additional readings on Sharepoint

Lecture Objectives 1. 1.Explain the difference between fraud and quackery Discuss The Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994 and explain its effect on safety and marketing of supplements Describe clues of how to tell if a product is a quackery product Explain potential sources of misinformation and aspects of exercise equipment and health clubs one should be aware of How can you use the information you have learned in this class?

Fraud vs. Quackery What is the difference? Susceptibility to each

Current Legislation The Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994 Puts the burden of proof for the effectiveness and safety of supplements on the manufacturer rather than on the FDA. Manufacturers do not need to get FDA approval prior to putting on the market. FDA responsible for taking action against unsafe supplements AFTER it reaches the market. Makes it harder for fraudulent products to be removed from the market.

Clues to Fraud & Quackery Lack of certifications/ degrees Cite little or no research Use pseudo-affiliations Use frequent testimonials Make claims of prestige Discredit AMA, FDA, etc.

Weight Loss Techniques

Fitness Products

Health Products

What are other products that you have seen that might be examples of quackery?

Potential Sources of Misinformation Magazines Health store newsletters TV infomercials Internet Fitness books and articles

Exercise Equipment and Health Clubs Exercise Equipment Do you need it? Will you use it? Does it work? Does it work for me? Health Clubs Qualified staff? Good equipment? Crowded/convenient? Contracts / memberships?

What should you do to be an informed consumer?

Now What? Put it all together: – –Fitness – –Wellness – –Healthy lifestyles – –Being an informed consumer – –Make positive changes

Developing a Personal Fitness Plan 1. Set goals 2. Select activities 3. Set a target frequency, intensity, and time for each activity 4. Set up a system of mini-goals and rewards 5. Include lifestyle physical activity in your program 6. Develop tools for monitoring your progress 7. Make a commitment

Achieving Wellness Wellness is the product of healthy lifestyles just like fitness is the product of regular exercise. Emotional Environmental Intellectual Physical Social Spiritual What can you do to improve wellness in each of the six areas?

Healthy Lifestyles Exercising regularly Eating properly Managing stress What else can you do to develop a healthy life for yourself?

How to Make Change Easier Increase awareness Avoid comparison with others Find activities that you enjoy FUN Exercise = reward, not punishment Ask for help / get a friend involved Try it, surprise! Start small Patience!

Goals of the Course This course is for ALL fitness levels and abilities. To learn about oneself intellectually, emotionally, and physically and to consider the connections between values and behavior. To explore how individuals develop and function in the social, psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. To plan for a lifetime of fitness, wellness, and physical activity. If the body is feeble the mind will not be strong.

Lecture Summary 1. 1.Explain the difference between fraud and quackery Discuss The Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994 and explain its effect on safety and marketing of supplements Describe clues of how to tell if a product is a quackery product Explain potential sources of misinformation and aspects of exercise equipment and health clubs one should be aware of How can you use the information you have learned in this class?