Lesson 3

Being a Health-Literate Consumer

Making Informed Choices

You can learn to make good consumer choices

Health Consumer = someone who purchases or uses health products or services

Consumer needs to be aware of advertising (written or spoken media message designed to interest consumers in purchasing a product or service)

Primary purpose of advertising = for consumer to buy a product

Figure 2.11 on page 47

Hidden Messages in Advertising Figure 2.11 Bandwagon= everyone is using it you should

too Rich and Famous= it will make you feel rich

and famous Free gifts= it’s too good a deal to pass up Great Outdoors= its associated with nature,

therefore it is healthy Good times= product will add fun to your life Testimonial= it worked for them it will work for

you

Evaluating Products

2 ways to sharpen consumer skills = product labels and comparison shopping

Product Labels- gives information about what product contains,

intended use, directions, warnings and manufacturer’s information.

- Contains active ingredient( most important on label) that makes product effective

Comparison Shopping =judging the benefits of different products by comparing several factors such as quality, features and cost

Comparison Shopping (Con’t)

Criteria to use to judge health products and services- Cost and quality - Features- Warranty (company’s or store’s written

agreement to repair a product or refund your money if the product doesn’t function properly)

- Safety- Recomendations

Evaluating information and ServicesIs the information valid? Is it from a respected provider?If ordering from a web site who

endorses the site?Is it a reputable organization? What is the web site’s purpose?

Homework

Read Lesson 3 Find 3 advertisements that use hidden

messages to market their product 3 different hidden messages

Write about a commercial or advertisement that uses one of the claims below:

“Secret Formula” “Miracle Cure” “Overnight results” “All natural” “Hurry, this offer expires soon”