Consumer H chap 14 (Extra Credit)

Why are health promoting behaviors important and how do they benefit prudent consumers?

Because maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the odds of becoming seriously ill and lower the cost of health care. Prudent consumers avoid tobacco products, eat sensibly, exercise appropriately, maintain a reasonable weight, use alcohol moderately or not at all, get adequate sleep, take appropriate safety precautions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has three general approaches to controlling indoor air pollution. What are they?

1. Source control, the most important approach, involves reducing pollution by minimizing the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution. 2. Outdoor air ventilation using open windows, exhaust fans 3. Air cleaning to remove airborne particles with devices using air filters or ionizers

It is generally accepted that home medical tests should be used wisely. What caveats should consumers remember when using home medical tests?

Consult with a doctor or health care professional before buying a test to ask which brand to purchase. Check the expiration date b/c chemicals lose their potency with time and results could be affected. Read the labels and package instructions carefully. Understand the limitations and purposes of the test. Remember that no test is 100% accurate.

Some companies have falsely claimed that air ionizers would provide health benefits by improving air quality. What does Consumer Reports say?

Consumer reports have found that many of them performed poorly or emitted significant amounts of ozone gas, an irritant that can aggravate asthma and decrease lung function. Consumer reports also cautions that air purifiers alone will not reduce the effect of indoor pollutants for people with asthma or allergies.

Is it myth or fact that vaccines contain dangerous ingredients such as antifreeze, formaldehyde, aluminum and aborted fetal tissues. What's the truth regarding this matter? HINT on page 290

It is a myth. the truth is that some of theses ingredients are not present in vaccines. The ones that are present are in trace amounts that are harmless.

What are the four levels of prevention?

Primary Prevention, Secondary Prevention, Tertiary Prevention, Quaternary Prevenjtion

What are some of the reasons that consumers don't seek needed medical care and engage in self-diagnosis?

They are concerned about the cost. They have a fear of being told that they are seriously ill. They have an inability to recognize symptoms of illnesses. They have a fear of embarrassment They distrust medical professionals