Lecture Notes:

CONSUMER HEALTH EDUCATION

• A consumer is someone who selects and uses products to fulfill personal needs and desires.
• Consumer health addresses products related to health.

• Devices
  e.g. solo flex
• Drugs
  e.g. diet pills, herbal supplements, fat burning creams
• Foods
  e.g. olestra, snackwells
• Cosmetics
• Vitamin Supplementation

• Food labels
  a.) Have been required since 1993 in the United States.
  b.) There are some exceptions to this requirement:
• If item is produced by a small business.
• Restaurants are not required to label your meals.
• The labeling in grocery store deli/bakery is voluntary.
• Over the counter (OTC) medications
• Food and drug administration requires specific information on the product container.
  a.) Approved use of the product.
  b.) Instructions for safe use.
  c.) Warnings

• Be aware of what you are taking.
• Know the effects (both positive and negative).
• Read and heed warnings.
• Don't use anything for more than two weeks.
• If taking prescription medications, be aware of the interactions with OTC medications.