Lesson 3 Being a Health-Literate Consumer

Making Informed Choices You can learn to make good consumer choices Health Consumer = someone who purchases or uses health products or services Consumer needs to be aware of advertising (written or spoken media message designed to interest consumers in purchasing a product or service) Primary purpose of advertising = for consumer to buy a product Figure 2.11 on page 47

Hidden Messages in Advertising Figure 2.11 Bandwagon= everyone is using it you should too Rich and Famous= it will make you feel rich and famous Free gifts= it’s too good a deal to pass up Great Outdoors= its associated with nature, therefore it is healthy Good times= product will add fun to your life Testimonial= it worked for them it will work for you

Evaluating Products 2 ways to sharpen consumer skills = product labels and comparison shopping Product Labels - gives information about what product contains, intended use, directions, warnings and manufacturer’s information. - Contains active ingredient( most important on label) that makes product effective Comparison Shopping =judging the benefits of different products by comparing several factors such as quality, features and cost

Comparison Shopping (Con’t) Criteria to use to judge health products and services - Cost and quality - Features - Warranty (company’s or store’s written agreement to repair a product or refund your money if the product doesn’t function properly) - Safety - Recomendations

Evaluating information and Services Is the information valid? Is it from a respected provider? If ordering from a web site who endorses the site? Is it a reputable organization? What is the web site’s purpose?

Homework Read Lesson 3 Find 3 advertisements that use hidden messages to market their product 3 different hidden messages Write about a commercial or advertisement that uses one of the claims below: “Secret Formula” “Miracle Cure” “Overnight results” “All natural” “Hurry, this offer expires soon”