Ch. 3: Being a Health Care Consumer Lesson 1: Making Consumer Choices

BELL ACTIVITY Make 2 lists. One of things you have bought for yourself in the past two weeks and one of things your parents have bought you at your request.

Bell Activity thoughts… How are these two lists different? What does that tell you?

You, the Consumer p. 60 How do you spend your money? Clothing? CDs? Food? Jewelry? Shoes?

Consumer Anyone who buys goods and services. What is meant by “goods and services”? Besides being a consumer of goods and services, you’re also a consumer of information. Commercials, billboards, advertisements from magazines, etc.

Using Your Purchasing Power Wisely As you get older, you have more money to spend. Increased purchasing power = increased responsibility. To choose products and services wisely, you have to be an informed consumer. You need to: Gather and evaluate facts, make comparisons, and weigh your options.

Figure 1.3 p. 61 Why Do You Buy? Values Family Background Power of Advertising Influence of Your Peers Cost of a Product or Service Advice of Salespeople

Media Messages Media – the various methods for communicating information Mass Media – media that can reach large groups of people. Newspapers & magazines Books TV and Radio Movies Recordings Internet

Advertising Central part of most media Magazines, commercials, internet advertising Can be very useful – can make you aware of various products and provide information for your purchasing decisions. However, advertisements can be misleading…

Misleading Advertisements They may exaggerate positive aspects of a product and omit negative ones. May blend fact and opinion in such a way that you can’t distinguish between the two. To make wise purchasing decisions, you need to know the facts.

Do I need that or WANT that? You must recognize the difference between your needs (the goods or services you must have to live) and your wants (the goods and services you would like to have but that aren’t essential) Sometimes advertisements try to convince you that your WANTS are your NEEDS.

Being a Wise Consumer of Health Information Be wary of any product that promises “miracle” results in “no time.” “Thousands of satisfied customers” – Can you actually talk to these people? Beware of products claiming “scientific breakthroughs.” True breakthroughs are rare and would be reported in the news.

Understanding Advertising Methods Informational – a longer TV commercial whose main purpose appears to be to present information Ex: political candidates to home work out equipment Image ads link a product or service to a desirable image. May show carefree skiers or blissfully happy couples. Message is usually the same: “This could be you!” Endorsement – a statement of approval

Let’s think…. What makes the media so powerful? Who or what has the power, and over whom? What can you as a consumer, do to avoid being unduly influenced by the media?