advertisements and labels to be accurate and not misleading. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and ensures the safety of food, health products, and medications. Consumer responsibilities are reasonable expectations for consumer actions and decisions. For example, consumers should learn about the products they wish to buy and use products as directed. When choosing a health product, pay attention to any health claims. The FDA reviews and approves health claims on product labels and in advertisements. If a health claim is not approved, the label should read, “This statement has not been reviewed and approved by the FDA.” This tells you the FDA did not review scientific studies of the product’s safety and effectiveness. This product may not work and might be harmful, even if used as directed. The best way to choose a health product is to comparison-shop by reviewing different brands and types of products (Figure 2.9). When you are choosing health services, begin by determining your health needs or questions. Do research to learn about alternatives, compare services, and decide which health service best meets your needs. You may consider factors such as cost, convenience, and reviews. For routine healthcare, including regular checkups, vaccinations, medications, treatment, or referrals, visit your doctor. If you need healthcare quickly for a serious illness or injury, go to an urgent care or immediate care clinic or a hospital’s emergency room (ER). You will learn more about accessing health services in the next lesson. Consumer Issues Sometimes people are dissatisfied or have issues with health products or services. To address these issues, always save receipts to prove your purchases. If you have a complaint, contact the business, store, or healthcare facility in person or online. Politely state the issue and how you would like it resolved. If your issue remains unsolved, ask to speak with a manager. You can also contact organizations that specialize in solving consumer complaints. Health fraud is illegal activity related to health products and services. A common example of fraud is a product that claims to treat, diagnose, or cure diseases, when it has not been proven safe or effective. Other kinds of health fraud include fake medical devices and medications, intentionally mislabeled medications, misleading or deceptive advertisements, false medical claims on labels, ineffective treatments, and health services offered by someone without a medical degree and license. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) federal organization that regulates and ensures the safety of food, health products, and medications health fraud illegal activity related to health products and services for example, deceptive labeling or advertising Tyler Olson/Shutterstock.com Figure 2.9 Evaluating health products carefully can ensure they are safe and will be effective for your needs. What organization regulates and ensures the safety of food, health products, and medications? Tips for Choosing Health Products ● ● Be prepared. Know the health issue you want to address. ● ● Research and learn about your options before shopping. ● ● Make sure the product is intended for your health issue. ● ● Make sure the product label states the purpose, directions, and any warnings about the product. ● ● Read the label to see the product’s active ingredients, or substances that treat a health issue. ● ● Compare different products that have the same active ingredients. ● ● Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 46 Unit 1 Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Wellness