1. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Concept 23
Evaluating Fitness and Wellness Products: Becoming an Informed Consumer
“Let the buyer beware” is a good motto for the consumer seeking advice or planning a program for developing or maintaining fitness, health, or wellness.
© 2013 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
McGraw-Hill
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2. Presentation Overview
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Presentation Overview
Quacks and quackery
Physical activity quackery
Exercise equipment
Health clubs and leaders
Body composition
Nutrition
Other consumer information
Books, magazines, articles, Internet
Discussion Activity
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3. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Quackery & Fraud
Quack - pretender of medical skill or knowledge (often believe what they promote)
Quackery - “Anything involving overpromotion in the field of health”
False
Unproven
Dangerous
Fraud - Intentional perversion of truth for gain
Deceptive advertising, promotion, or distribution of products/services for monetary gain
May be difficult to detect (subtle)
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4. Clues to Quackery/Fraud
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Clues to Quackery/Fraud
No scientific method
Use of testimonials and anecdotes
Typically have something to sell
False claims like “everyone can benefit”
Promise of quick results
Claims approval by FDA
Federal law does not even permit the mention of FDA that suggests marketing approval
Misquotes of scientific journal articles
Often sell products through mail
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5. Susceptibility to Fraud or Quackery
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Susceptibility to Fraud or Quackery
Concern about appearance, health, or performance
Lack of knowledge
Desire for immediate results
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6. Being an Informed Consumer
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Being an Informed Consumer
Read ads carefully, esp. the small print
Do not send cash; use a check, money order, or credit card so you have a receipt
Do not order from a company with only a post office box, unless you know the company
Do not let high-pressure sales tactics make you rush into a decision
When in doubt, check out the company through your Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Look for several supporting credible research studies before making a decision
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7. Physical Activity & Quackery
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Physical Activity & Quackery
McGraw Hill -
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8. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Key Facts
There are no “effortless” way to get the benefits from physical activity
Claims for many forms of exercise are overstated or unsubstantiated (not a panacea)
e.g., Hatha Yoga curing health problems
Passive exercises do not provide any benefits for fitness or weight loss
e.g., vibrating belts, massage, magnets, electrical muscle stimulators, weighted belts, body wrapping, etc.
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9. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Exercise Equipment
What is your current state of fitness and activity level?
What are your goals?
Will you enjoy it?
Will you stick with it?
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10. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Exercise Equipment
Is this the best piece of equipment for you?
Do you have space for it?
Is the space appropriate?
Will you use it?
Do you need it? Are there cheaper alternatives?
Have you checked Consumer Reports?
Is the dealer reputable?
Have you considered the limitations of the exercise machine?
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11. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Hand/Wrist Weights
Controversial
Walking while pumping arms with weights can increase energy expenditure equal to slow jog
Requires CAUTION
Increases risk of injury
Gripping weights while exercising can increase blood pressure
Less risk with wrist weights than with hand-held weights
NO ANKLE
WEIGHTS!
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12. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Lab 23b information
Health Clubs
Qualified staff? Professional?
Well-maintained equipment?
Cleanliness?
Trial visit - Crowded/convenient?
Contracts/memberships?
YMCA/YWCA/Parks & Rec?
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13. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Body Composition
McGraw Hill -
Fad diets
Spot reduction exercises
Body wraps
Cellulite/fat loss creams
Metabolic stimulators
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14. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Nutrition
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Muscle gain supplements
Fat loss supplements
Anti-fatigue supplements
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15. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Current Legislation The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
Shifted the burden of proof for the effectiveness and safety of supplements from the FDA to the food supplement industrywhich means it is shifted to YOU (consumer)!
Carefully review evidence before using
One positive - food supplement labeling
Effectiveness of supplements in question
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16. Potentially Fraudulent Health Products
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Potentially Fraudulent Health Products
Supplements for health/disease:
Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements (megadoses)
Immune system boosters
Life extension products:
Energy enhancers
Memory enhancers
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17. Other Consumer Information
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Other Consumer Information
Saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, and hot tubs provide no significant health benefits, and guidelines must be followed to ensure safety
Having a good tan is often associated with being fit and looking good, but getting tanned can be risky
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18. Sources of Misinformation
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Books
Magazines
Articles
Sources of Misinformation
McGraw Hill -
Internet
Health store newsletters
TV infomercials
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19. Books, Magazines, & Articles
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Not all books provide scientifically sound, accurate, and reliable information.
Are they authored by a qualified professional?
Are they based on sound scientific principles?
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20. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Internet Information
McGraw Hill -
Not all information on the Web is accurate!!
Consult at least 2 or more sources to confirm information (including non-web sources)
Consider the source of information
Look for information from non-profit agencies or public health agencies if possible (.gov, .edu, or .org), although many commercial (.com) sites also have good information
Operation “Cure-All”
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21. Review of Clues to Fraud & Quackery
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Review of Clues to Fraud & Quackery
Lab 23a information
Lack of certifications / degrees
Cite little or no research
Use of pseudo-affiliations
Use of frequent testimonials
Make claims of prestige
Discredit AMA, FDA, etc.
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22. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e (Buyer Beware!)
McGraw Hill -
Caveat Emptor
Buy This
Try That
Gauranteed
(Buyer Beware!)
End of presentation
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23. Supplemental Information
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
McGraw Hill -
Supplemental Information
Lab Information
Discussion Activity
23-23
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24. Lab 23a Information Practicing Consumer Skills: Evaluating Products
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Lab 23a Information Practicing Consumer Skills: Evaluating Products
Select an exercise device, book, magazine, or food supplement to review.
Answer questions to evaluate the product you have chosen.
Total the checks to get a product rating.
Discuss whether you would buy or use this product.
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25. Lab 23b Information Evaluating a Health/Wellness or Fitness Club
Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
McGraw Hill -
Lab 23b Information Evaluating a Health/Wellness or Fitness Club
Visit a club and indicate that you are interested in becoming a member.
Ask questions and examine the facilities.
Complete the assessment in the lab to evaluate the club.
Answer whether this club would meet your needs and expectations.
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26. Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 8e
Return to presentation
McGraw Hill -
Discussion Activity
Is this site credible?
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