1. Consumer Economics Chapter 9 Health and Wellness Issues
Copyright©2009 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2. Learning Objectives
Explain the complexity of the subject health and wellness
Discuss the reasons why fraudulent health claims are rampant
List ways to reduce health care costs
Explain the market for cosmetics and the reasons people use them
Discuss medical malpractice insurance issues
Discuss addictions and the related consumer issues of health, safety, advertising, and cost

3. Introduction Health and body issues are complex and expensive
The average American lives in a healthier environment than in the past
Well-being requires the cooperation of individuals, the government, and private companies

4. Wellness and Well-being
Wellness is the ability to live life fully with optimal health and vitality, including physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual interpersonal, social, and environmental well-being
Well-being is the state of being healthy, happy, or prosperous.

5. Wellness contains six components
Physical wellness
Emotional wellness
Intellectual wellness
Spiritual wellness
Interpersonal and social wellness
Environmental or planetary wellness
Consumer health involves decisions about health care, and lifestyle.

6. Fraudulent Health Claims vs Science
Fraudulent health claims range from minor issues to life-threatening ones
Why do consumers buy obviously fraudulent products?
Real science vs. “junk science”
Consumers need to have scientific literacy

7. Government Agencies & Health Care Tasks
Human development index and cost of care
Medicare and Medicare fraud
Brand name drugs and generic drugs
Imported drugs, doctors online, biologics

8. Health Challenges Malpractice insurance Vaccines and bioterrorism
Tanning
Botox

9. Medical Devices, Treatments, and Procedures
Cosmetics
Labeling
Hypoallergenic products
Organic Beauty
Tooth whiteners

10. Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption
Alcohol – colorless, pungent liquid is an intoxicant
Fetal alcohol syndrome causes serious birth defects
Tobacco is addictive

11. Chapter Summary
Healthy People 2020 is the US government’s strategy to improve the nation’s health
The FDA is the main regulator of health-related products
Consumers should be aware of cost, efficacy, and safety issues regarding medical products and practices, alcohol, and tobacco