Presentation Package for Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 9e

1. Presentation Package for Concepts of Fitness & Wellness 9e Concept 23 Evaluating Fitness & Wellness Products: Becoming an Informed Consumer “Let the buyer beware” is a good motto for the consumer seeking advice or planning a program for developing or maintaining fitness, health, or wellness.

2. Online Learning Center Presentation Overview • Quacks and quackery • Physical activity quackery • Exercise equipment • Health clubs and leaders • Body composition • Nutrition • Other consumer information • Books, magazines, articles, Internet Discussion Activity

3. Quackery & Fraud • Quack - pretender of medical skill or knowledge (often believe what they promote) • Quackery - “anything involving overpromotion in the field of health” • False • Unproven • Dangerous • Fraud - Intentional perversion of truth for gain • Deceptive advertising, promotion, or distribution of products/services for monetary gain • May be difficult to detect (subtle) Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

4. Clues to Quackery/Fraud • No scientific method • Use of testimonials and anecdotes • Typically have something to sell • False claims like “everyone can benefit” • Promise of quick results • Claims approval by FDA • Federal law does not even permit the mention of FDA that suggests marketing approval • Misquotes of scientific journal articles • Often sell products through mail

5. Susceptibility to Fraud or Quackery • Concern about appearance, health or performance • Lack of knowledge • Desire for immediate results

6. Being an Informed Consumer • Read ads carefully, esp. the small print • Do not send cash; use a check, money order, or credit card so you have a receipt • Do not order from a company with only a post office box, unless you know the company • Do not let high-pressure sales tactics make you rush into a decision • When in doubt, check out the company through your Better Business Bureau (BBB) • Look for several supporting credible research studies before making a decision

7. Physical Activity & Quackery Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

8. Physical Activity • No “effortless” way to get the benefits from physical activity • Claims for many forms of exercise are overstated or unsubstantiated (not a panacea) • e.g., Hatha Yoga curing health problems • Passive exercises do not provide any benefits for fitness or weight loss • e.g., vibrating belts, massage, magnets, electrical muscle stimulators, weighted belts, body wrapping, etc.

9. Exercise Equipment • What is your current state of fitness and activity level? • What are your goals? • Will you enjoy it? • Will you stick with it? Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

10. Exercise Equipment • Is this the best piece of equipment for you? • Do you have space for it? • Is the space appropriate? • Will you use it? • Do you need it? Are there cheaper alternatives? • Have you checked Consumer Reports? • Is the dealer reputable? • Have you considered the limitations of the exercise machine?

11. Hand/Wrist Weights • Controversial • Walking while pumping arms with weights can increase energy expenditure equal to slow jog • Requires CAUTION • Increases risk of injury • Gripping weights while exercising can increase blood pressure • Less risk with wrist weights than with hand-held weights NO ANKLE WEIGHTS!

12. Lab 23binformation Health Clubs • Qualified staff? Professional? • Well-maintained equipment? • Cleanliness? • Trial visit - Crowded/convenient? • Contracts/memberships? • YMCA/YWCA/Parks & Rec? Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

13. Body Composition • Fad diets • Spot reduction exercises • Body wraps • Cellulite/Fat loss creams • Metabolic stimulators Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

14. Nutrition • Muscle gain supplements • Fat loss supplements • Anti-fatigue supplements Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

15. Current LegislationThe Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 • Shifted the burden of proof for the effectiveness and safety of supplements from the FDA to the food supplement industrywhich means it is shifted to YOU (consumer)! • Carefully review evidence before using • One positive - food supplement labeling • Effectiveness of supplements in question

16. Potentially Fraudulent Health Products • Supplements for health/disease: • Anti-oxidant vitamin supplements (megadoses) • Immune system boosters • Life extension products: • Energy enhancers • Memory enhancers Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

17. Other Consumer Information • Saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, and hot tubs provide no significant health benefits, and guidelines must be followed to ensure safety • Having a good tan is often associated with being fit and looking good, but getting tanned can be risky Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

18. Sources of Misinformation • Books • Magazines • Articles • Internet • Health store newsletters • TV infomercials Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

19. Books, Magazines & Articles • Not all books provide scientifically sound, accurate, and reliable information. • Are they authored by a qualified professional? • Are they based on sound scientific principles? Photo: Creative Commons Flickr

20. Internet Information Operation “Cure-All” • Not all information on the Web is accurate!! • Consult at least 2 or more sources to confirm information (including non-web sources) • Consider the source of information • Look for information from non-profit agencies or public health agencies if possible (.gov, .edu, or .org), although many commercial (.com) sites also have good information

21. Review of Clues to Fraud & Quackery Lab 23a information • Lack of certifications / degrees • Cite little or no research • Use of pseudo-affiliations • Use of frequent testimonials • Make claims of prestige • Discredit AMA, FDA, etc.

22. Buy This Try That Gauranteed Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware!) End of presentation

23. Online Learning Center Supplemental Information Lab Information Discussion Activity

24. Lab 23a InformationPracticing Consumer Skills: Evaluating Products • Select an exercise device, book, magazine or food supplement to review. • Answer questions to evaluate product you have chosen. • Total the checks to get a product rating. • Discuss whether you would buy or use this product.

25. Lab 23b InformationEvaluating a Health/Wellness or Fitness Club • Visit a club and indicate that you are interested in becoming a member. • Ask questions and examine the facilities. • Complete the assessment in the lab to evaluate the club. • Answer whether this club would meet your needs and expectations.

26. Return to presentation Discussion Activity Is this site credible?