Accessing Valid Health Information, Products, and Services

Michigan Merit Curriculum Standard 2: Access Information 5.4 Demonstrate the ability to access valid information and resources in one’s community and on the Internet related to personal health issues and concerns. 5.5 Demonstrate the ability to access accurate information about personal health products.

Four Steps on How to Access Health Information, Products, and Services Identify health information, products, and services that you need Health Care Providers- Licensed, trained professionals. Examples: Dentists, doctors, nurses (health maintain or restore health) Health Product- Something that is made to maintain or restore health. Examples: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, crutches, wheelchairs, bandages. Health Care Facility- A place such as a hospital; where health care is provided. Examples: Clinics, emergency facilities, doctor, and dentist offices.

Four Steps on How to Access Health Information, Products, and Services Continued…. 2. Find health information, products, and services Find information in a Dr.’s office, dentist office, a pharmacy, grocery store, internet, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, & Medical Journals.

Four Steps on How to Access Health Information, Products, and Services Continued…. 3. Evaluate health information, products, and services (Evaluate and ask yourself these questions) What is the source of the information? (health care providers, government agencies, ect.) What are the qualifications of the person? (are they a recognized professional group) Is the information up-to-date? Have reputable health care professionals evaluated information? What is the purpose of the information? (is it to inform or to make money) How can you obtain additional information? Does the information make realistic claims?

Four Steps on How to Access Health Information, Products, and Services Continued… 4. Take action when health information is misleading There are laws that protect the public from false advertising.

Vocabulary Emergency- A serious situation that occurs without warning and calls for quick action Types of Health Resources: Governmental Health Resources- Oversees the health of the nation. Examples: CDC, National Institute of Health Health Professionals Groups- Make sure you are treated by someone with appropriate training. Example: AMA Health Advocate Group- Educates the public health conditions & raise funds for research. Example: Heart, Cancer, Diabetes, & Lung Associations. They usually have a national headquarters & a local group.

Vocabulary Family & Personal Health Records- Help to keep important health information. Pedigree- Used to track genetic diseases through families. Know about family health. Examples: Sickle Cell Anemia, Cancer, Heart Disease Track family health- Keep a family health history Risk factors- Is there anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease? Health history questionnaires can reveal risk factors; given to patients at a Doctor’s office Monitoring Health can help a family doctor monitor your health & look for early warning signs.

Final Notes: How can knowing your Health History help you? What are some diseases that have a genetic risk factor? Assignment: Locate 3 Health Care Facilities: Include the name of facility, address, phone number, hours of operation, & services offered

Questions If you had a skin problem who would you see? To be a wise consumer, you should consider which of the following factors when buying a health care product? A. Cost per unit B. peer recommendation C. Appearance of the packaging D. Whether the product is endorsed by a famous person.

Which of the following would be most important to look for on the label when buying vitamins? A. The brand name B. The number of vitamin tablets in the container C. The amount of each vitamin contained in a tablet. D. The color of the vitamin tablets.

Pat is trying to decide which moisturizer is the best buy Pat is trying to decide which moisturizer is the best buy. Which of the following would be important criteria for Pat to consider in determining the best buy? A. Cost plus friend’s recommendation B. Cost plus brand name C. Cost plus effectiveness D. Cost plus advertising claims

Peter uses the internet to collect information before he buys health care products. Which of the following is the most important thing for Pete to do? A. Be sure the source of the information is reliable B. Read all the information completely and carefully C. Buy only products that claim to be 100% effective D. Buy products that use recycled paper and plastic

Which of the following is the LEAST important thing to do when buying over-the-counter medication? A. Read any warnings B. Read the directions C. Buy the most advertised brand D. Speak to the pharmacist if you have a question

Which of these is the MOST important rule to keep in mind when buying health-related products? A. Consumers should inform themselves about the products they purchase B. Advertising is regulated, so there are few deceptive products are quickly removed from stores C. Product safety is regulated unsafe products are quickly removed from stores D. Products that can be purchased without a prescription cannot be misused by consumers