BEING A HEALTH LITERATE CONSUMER

HIDDEN ADVERTISING MESSAGES 1.Bandwagon- group of people using product or service. EX. Everyone is using it, you should too. 2.Image Appeal- product displayed in expensive home. EX. You’ll feel rich and famous. 3.Free Gifts- redeem merchandise or coupons with purchase. EX. Deal is too good to pass up.

HIDDEN MESSAGES CONTIUED 4. Great Outdoors- scenes of nature. EX. If it has to do with nature, it must be healthy. 5.Good Times- people smiling and laughing. EX. This product will add fun to your life. 6.Testimonial- people say good things about the product. EX. Works for them it will work for you.

HIDDEN MESSAGES CONTINUED 7. Scientific Evidence Appeal- uses information or statistics to make you feel confident that you are making a responsible consumer choice. EX. 9 out of 10 people recommend… 8. Brand Loyalty Appeal- suggests that one brand is better than the rest. EX- Teens buying clothes with designer logos or labels.

EVALUATING PRODUCTS 1. Product Labels- gives important information about the product. -Product name, intended use, directions, warnings, other information, and amount in product. -Products (food mostly) ingredients will be listed as well. Ingredients are listed from highest-to- least amount.

COMPARISON SHOPPING 1.Cost and Quality- generic products may work the same as name brand. Compare the quality of lower cost items to see if they meet your needs. 2.Features- figure out which product features are most important to you so you don’t waste money on features you don’t want.

COMPARISON SHOPPING CONT. 3.Warranty- ask about warranties on more expensive products. 4.Safety- when evaluating sports, recreation, and home-safety products, look for logos from well- known, reputable organizations that show the product has been tested for safety.

COMPARISON SHOPPING CONT. 5. Recommendations- listen to the opinions from people who you trust who have used the product or service that you are considering.

PURCHASING INFLUENCES 1.FAMILY 2.PEERS 3.CULTURE 4.TASTES 5.SALESPEOPLE

QUACKERY -Consumer fraud or deception that involves promoting and selling useless products. SPOTTING A QUACK 1. Promises quick cures, miracles, or secret formulas. 2. Testimonials from celebrities. 3. Have medical evidence. 4. Have no labeled ingredients, warnings, or instructions.

SPOTTING A QUACK CONT. 5. Appeals to fears or emotions. 6. Use scientific words. 7. Shows credentials not recognized by responsible scientists.