Overview
This lecture introduces consumer health, focusing on how to evaluate and select reliable health information, products, and services, and covers guidelines for being a wise health consumer.
Introduction to Consumer Health
- Consumer health develops the ability to evaluate and use health information, products, and services wisely.
- All individuals are consumers who acquire health information, purchase products, and use health services to maintain health.
- Educated consumers select scientifically proven and legally approved products and services.
Components of Consumer Health
- Three components: health information, health products, and health services.
- Health information includes details from people, books, media, and packaging (ingredients, nutrition, expiration, manufacturer, etc.).
- Health products are items consumed to improve well-being (e.g., medicine, food, clothes).
- Health services are programs from providers like doctors, nurses, hospitals, and clinics.
Guidelines for Wise Health Consumers
- Learn about products or services before purchasing.
- Be cautious of sales talk and marketing schemes.
- Consult authorities if uncertain.
- Prioritize quality over quantity.
Sources of Health Information and Products
- Reliable sources: licensed professionals with specialized education.
- Unreliable sources: non-experts who may spread incorrect information.
- Media and technology are common sources, but always verify reliability.
Criteria for Evaluating Health Products and Services
- Four key considerations: safety, environmental impact, quality, and price.
Types of Consumers
- Intelligent consumer: prioritizes needs and spends within means.
- Spendthrift consumer: buys luxury without concern for cost.
- Bargain addict: obsessed with bargains, vulnerable to sales tricks.
- Closest consumer: saves excessively, depriving self of needs.
- Panic buyer: hoards supplies due to rumors, causes artificial shortages.
- Impulsive buyer: buys on impulse without considering needs.
- Wasteful consumer: wastes resources by overbuying and not conserving.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Consumer health — ability to evaluate and wisely use health information, products, and services.
- Health information — facts or data that influence health decisions.
- Health products — items used to improve health and well-being.
- Health services — professional programs or treatments provided by health workers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the lesson in your module if any concepts are unclear.