6.PCH.2.1

6.PCH.2.1 Analyze claims for health products and services.There are hundreds of health products and services. Products include first aid supplies, nutrition and nutritional supplements, exercise equipment, medicines, dental products, and cosmetics. There are both legitimate and false claims for health products and services. The most common products that are sold deceptively are nutrition, drugs, and devices. If a false claim is made for a cure, that is called quackery. Millions of dollars are spent each year on products that are worthless and even dangerous. To be able to analyze the claims, one needs to have accurate information about the product or service. Reliable sources of information include medical professionals, teachers, parents, and medically accurate sources such as MyPlate.gov, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is important to be able to distinguish between professionals with legitimate credentials. One should suspect health fraud if the product promises a miracle cure or quick fix, if it promises to cure the “incurable,” if one product is supposed cure many ailments, or if the credentials of the practitioner are suspect. Medical doctors have a high level of training to care for people. It is a good idea for a person to have a regular primary care physician who is familiar with his or her medical and family history.
 * The student will categorize claims as legitimate (or scientifically proven) or as quackery.
 * The student will make health decisions based on scientific evidence.
 * The student will seek health advice only from reliable sources.

6.PCH.2.2 Evaluate the validity of claims made in advertisements for health products and services.Advertisements are seen everywhere: print ads in magazines, billboards, internet sites, commercials on television and the radio, on buildings and vehicles, on clothing, in stores, at sporting events. The average person sees dozens of ads every day. Most people have no idea how much their behaviors are influenced by advertising. Health products may be marketed by a variety of appeals some of which may be deceptive. Increasingly, advertising is directed at young people who have more financial resources or who may influence their family’s purchases. Commonly used advertising techniques for health products and services are the following:
 * 1) Science
 * 2) Rewards
 * 3) Bandwagon
 * 4) Testimonial
 * 5) Humor
 * 6) Glamour
 * 7) Brand loyalty
 * 8) Sex
 * 9) Progress

Being able to recognize the appeals makes it more likely that one can analyze the way the company is trying to influence purchase. Usually an advertisement has multiple appeals. It is important to be able to tell the difference between what one wants and what one needs. The wise consumer asks questions and does his or her homework before making a decision.

The government regulates the advertising of some products that are dangerous to health. The companies that produce tobacco products have been accused of promoting cigarettes and spit tobacco to young people in years past and are now regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. These companies are no longer allowed to use images of cartoon characters, provide free samples, or give away items such as T-shirts or ball caps. More recent strategies for pushing tobacco products are product placement (in movies) and point of purchase advertising (usually in convenience stores). Companies have developed new products (Snus, for example) and have created clever packaging to entice new users. Some of the packing is in the shape of a cell phone and might not be noticed by an adult if in the young person’s pocket. Some brands of Snus indicate a person would not be caught using it because it is smokeless and spitless.
 * The student will be able to identify advertising appeals used to market health products and services.
 * The student will be able to evaluate claims for health products and services.
 * The student will conclude that advertising is intended to influence rather than to inform.