1. Being a Health Literate Consumer
Chapter 2 Lesson 3
Being a Health Literate Consumer

2. Do Now
What are some types of products and services people use to maintain or improve their health?

3. Are You A Smart Buyer?
Health Consumer-someone who purchases or uses health products or services
Advertising-a written or spoken media message designed to interest consumers in purchasing a product or service.
Pg. 47 Figure 2.11

4. What advertising technique is this?

5. Evaluating Products Product Labels
Product labels carry the products name, its intended use, directions, warnings, manufacturer’s information , and the amount in the container

6. Comparison Shopping
Judging the benefits of different products by comparing several factors, such as quality, features, and cost.
Look at
Cost and Quality
Features
Warranty
Safety
Recommendations
Cost and Quality-generic products may work the same as brand name-products. Compare the quality of lower cost items that meet your needs but at less cost
Features-figure out which product features are most important to you so that you don’t have to waste money on features you don’t want
Warranty- a company's or store’s written agreement to repair a product or refund your money if the product doesn't function properly. Ask about warranty's on expensive products
Safety-Make sure product has been tested for safety by well known organization. Ex. Cars 5 star governmental crash test rating
Recommendations-listen to the opinions of people you trust. Ex. better business bureau

7. Generic vs. Name Brand
$3.98
$6.97

8. Evaluating Information and Services
Does this information come from a valid source?
Does the service come from a respected provider?
If the source is a Web site, who pays for the site? Is it a reputable organization? What is the purpose of the site?

9. Managing Consumer Problems
Ch. 2 Lesson 4 pg.50
Managing Consumer Problems

10. Resolving Consumer Problems
Understand return policy before making a purchase
Have a copy of the warranty
Save your receipt
Read all instructions before use

11. Organizations Better Business Bureau
Consumer advocates- people whose sole purpose is to take on regional, national, and even international consumer issues.
Local ,State, and federal government agencies
(i.e. FDA)
Not satisfied?
BBB-handles complaints about local merchants.
Food and Drug administration-Most concerned with consumer health issues. They are responsible for ensuring medicines are safe, effective, and properly labeled.

12. Malpractice
Failure by a health professional to meet accepted standards

13. Health Fraud
The sale of worthless products or services that claim to prevent disease or cure other health problems
Also known as Quackery
Look out for claims like
Secret Formula
Miracle cure
Overnight results
All natural
Hurry this offer expires soon

14. Protection From Health Fraud
Check out claims with doctor or other health professional
Talk to family or friends
Check with BBB
Check with professional health organizations
American heart association will be familiar with health frauds related to heart disease treatment