Transcript 20 - Recognizing Quackery

Presentation Package for
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Section VIII: Concept 25:
Recognizing Quackery:
Becoming and Informed
Consumer
Fraud
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2
Intentional perversion of truth for
gain.
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Quackery
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Promotion of health schemes that
are:
– False
– Unproven
– Dangerous
3
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Susceptibility to
Fraud or Quackery
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Concern about appearance, health or
performance
Lack of knowledge
Desire for immediate results
See “On the Web” 25-2 for
more information
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Potentially Fraudulent
Weight Loss Techniques
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Fad diets
Spot reduction exercises
Body wraps
Fat loss creams
Metabolic stimulators
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Potentially Fraudulent
Fitness Products
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Muscle gain supplements
Fat loss supplements
Anti-fatigue supplements
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Potentially Fraudulent
Health Products
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Supplements for health/disease:
– Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements
(megadoses)
– Immune system boosters
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Life extension products:
– Energy enhancers
– Memory enhancers
7
See “On the Web” 25-4 about issues
with herbs
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Lab 25a
information
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Clues to Fraud
and Quackery
Lack of certifications / degrees
Cite little or no research
Use pseudo-affiliations
Use frequent testimonials
Make claims of prestige
Discredit AMA, FDA, etc.
Click to see the National
Coalition Against Health
Fraud site
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Sources of Misinformation
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Magazines
Health store newsletters
TV infomercials
Click to see the US
consumer information
center homepage
9
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Current Legislation
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
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Puts the burden of proof for the
effectiveness and safety of
supplements on the FDA rather than on
the supplement manufacturer.
Makes it harder for fraudulent products
to be removed from the market.
See “On the Web” 25-3 for more info
on supplements
10
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Exercise Equipment
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Do you need it?
Will you use it?
Does it work?
Does it work for me?
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Lab 25b
information
Health Clubs
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Qualified staff?
Good equipment?
Crowded/convenient?
Contracts / memberships?
See “On the Web” 25-1 about
tanning and salons
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Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Fitness Books and Articles
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Are they authored by a qualified
professional?
Are they based on sound scientific
principles?
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Internet Information
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14
Remember, not all information on the
Web is accurate!!
Look for information from non-profit
agencies or public health agencies if
possible although many commercial
(.com) sites have good information
also
See “On the Web” 25-5 to see
how to spot good sites on the
web.
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Caveat Emptor
(Buyer Beware!)
See “On the Web”25-6 about consumerism
and tips for being a wise consumer
Web Resources
Online Learning Center
“On the Web” pages for Concept
16
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
Supplemental Graphics
Lab Information
Lab 25a Information
Practicing Consumer Skills: Evaluating Products
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18
Select an exercise device, book,
magazine or food supplement to
review.
Answer questions to evaluate
product you have chosen.
Total the checks to get a product
rating.
Discuss whether you would buy or
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e
use this product.
Lab 25b Information
Evaluating a Health/Wellness of Fitness Club
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19
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.
Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 6e