Consumer Health : A Guide to Intelligent Decisions

by Barrett, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9780072323665
• ISBN10: 0072323663
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-07-01
• Publisher: McGraw Hill College Div

Table of Contents

I. Dynamics of the Health Marketplace
Consumer Health Issues	3	(12)
Misleading Information	4	(3)
Quackery and Health Fraud	7	(1)
Problems with Products	8	(1)
Problems with Services	9	(1)
Problems with Costs	10	(1)
The Need for Consumer Protection	11	(1)
Intelligent Consumer Behavior	12	(3)
Separating Fact from Fiction	15	(20)
How Facts Are Determined	16	(4)
Problems with Health Information	20	(8)
Prudent Use of the Internet	28	(2)
Further Suggestions for Consumers	30	(5)
Frauds and Quackery	35	(12)
Definitions	36	(1)
Frauds and Quackery Today	37	(1)
Why People Are Vulnerable	38	(1)
Hazards	39	(1)
Common Misconceptions	40	(2)
Recognizing Quackery	42	(2)
Conspiracy Claims	44	(1)
The Freedom-of-Choice Issue	44	(3)
Advertising and Other Marketing Practices	47	(24)
Psychologic Manipulation	48	(2)
Puffery, Weasel Words, and Half-Truths	50	(1)
Advertising Outlets	50	(1)
Professional Advertising	51	(2)
Marketing by Hospitals	53	(1)
Prescription Drug Marketing	53	(2)
Nonprescription Drug Advertising	55	(1)
Food Advertising	56	(1)
Dietary Supplement Promotion	56	(3)
Tobacco Promotion	59	(1)
Mail-Order Quackery	60	(3)
Weight-Control Promotions	63	(1)
Youth and Beauty Aids	63	(1)
Exercise and Fitness Products	63	(1)
Infomercials	64	(1)
Multilevel Marketing (MLM)	64	(2)
Telemarketing Schemes	66	(1)
Industry Self Regulation	66	(1)
Government Regulation	67	(4)
II. Health-Care Approaches
Science-Based Health Care	71	(28)
Health-Care Personnel	72	(4)
Choosing a Physician	76	(4)
Basic Medical Care	80	(7)
Surgical Care	87	(2)
Quality of Medical Care	89	(2)
Disciplining of Physicians	91	(3)
The Intelligent Patient	94	(5)
Mental Health Care	99	(20)
Who Should Seek Help?	100	(1)
Mental Health Practitioners	100	(2)
Psychotherapy	102	(1)
Drug Therapy	103	(2)
Electroconvulsive Therapy	105	(1)
Psychosomatic Disorders	105	(1)
Selecting a Therapist	105	(2)
Hospital Care	107	(1)
Questionable ``Self Help'' Products	107	(2)
Questionable Practices	109	(10)
Dental Care	119	(18)
Dentists	120	(1)
Auxiliary Dental Personnel	120	(1)
Tooth Decay	121	(1)
Fluoridation	122	(1)
Periodontal Disease	123	(1)
Self-Care	124	(1)
Dental Products	124	(3)
Dental Restorations	127	(1)
Endodontics (Root Canal) Therapy	127	(1)
Orthodontics	128	(1)
Dentures	128	(1)
Dental X-Ray Procedures	129	(1)
Questionable Procedures	130	(1)
Dental Quackery	130	(3)
Smokeless Products	133	(1)
Choosing a Dentist	134	(3)
``Alternative'' Methods	137	(42)
Definitional Problems	138	(3)
Acupuncture, Qigong, and ``Chinese Medicine,''	141	(3)
Reflexology	144	(1)
Chiropractic	144	(7)
Naturopathy	151	(1)
Natural Hygiene	152	(1)
Iridology	153	(1)
Homeopathy	154	(4)
Psychic Healing	158	(4)
Occult Practices	162	(2)
Astrology	164	(1)
Biorhythms	164	(1)
Transcendental Meditation	165	(2)
Yoga Therapy	167	(1)
Visual Training	167	(1)
Other ``Alternative'' Practices	167	(1)
Unscientific Medical Practices	168	(4)
``Holistic Medicine,''	172	(1)
``Medical Freedom'' Laws	173	(1)
The NIH Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine	174	(5)
Self-Care	179	(16)
Purposes of Self-Care	180	(1)
Health Promotion	181	(3)
Self-Diagnosis	184	(1)
Home Medical Tests	185	(2)
Self-Treatment of Chronic Diseases	187	(1)
Self-Help Publications	188	(1)
Self-Help Groups	189	(6)
Health-Care Facilities	195	(16)
The Joint Commission	196	(1)
Outpatient Medical Facilities	196	(3)
Hospitals	199	(2)
Home Care Services	201	(1)
Nursing Homes	202	(9)
III. Nutrition and Fitness
Basic Nutrition Concepts	211	(22)
Major Food Components	212	(2)
Human Nutrient Needs	214	(5)
Food-Group Systems	219	(3)
``Junk Food,''	222	(1)
Dietary Guidelines for Infants	222	(2)
Vegetarianism	224	(1)
Nutrients of Special Concern	225	(1)
Nutrition Labeling	226	(4)
Reliable Information Sources	230	(3)
Nutrition Fads, Fallacies, and Scams	233	(38)
Food Faddism and Quackery	234	(1)
Dietary Supplements	235	(7)
Megavitamin Claims vs. Facts	242	(2)
Appropriate Use of Supplements	244	(1)
``Organic'' Foods	245	(1)
``Health Foods,''	246	(1)
``Natural'' Foods	246	(5)
``Medicinal'' Use of Herbal Products	251	(3)
Macrobiotic Diets	254	(1)
Promotion of Questionable Nutrition	254	(9)
Promoters of Questionable Nutrition	263	(8)
Weight Control	271	(30)
Basic Concepts	272	(6)
Eating Disorders	278	(1)
The Diet and Weight-Loss Marketplace	278	(1)
Questionable Diets	278	(5)
Prescription Drugs	283	(1)
Nonprescription Products	284	(3)
Low-Calorie Products	287	(2)
Questionable Products and Procedures	289	(2)
Government Regulatory Actions	291	(1)
Surgical Procedures	292	(1)
Weight-Control Organizations	292	(3)
Suggestions for Weight Control	295	(6)
Exercise Concepts, Products, and Services	301	(32)
Public Perceptions	302	(1)
Benefits of Exercise	303	(1)
Types of Exercise	304	(1)
Components of Fitness	304	(2)
Starting an Exercise Program	306	(4)
Sports Medicine Specialists	310	(1)
Exercise Equipment and Supplies	311	(8)
Exercise Facilities	319	(3)
Children's Exercise Centers	322	(1)
Exercise While Traveling	322	(1)
Corporate Fitness Programs	323	(1)
Exercise and Weight Control	323	(1)
Nutrition for Athletes	323	(2)
Anabolic Steroids	325	(1)
Other ``Ergogenic Aids,''	326	(7)
IV. Major Health Problems
Cardiovascular Diseases	333	(26)
Significance of Cardiovascular Disease	334	(1)
Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease	334	(1)
Blood Lipid and Homocysteine Levels	335	(1)
Cholesterol Guidelines	336	(4)
Dietary Modification	340	(6)
Lipid-Lowering Drugs	346	(1)
Preventive Use of Aspirin	347	(1)
Questionable Preventive Measures	348	(1)
High Blood Pressure	349	(2)
Heart Attacks	351	(1)
Diagnostic Tests	352	(2)
Surgery to Restore Blood Flow	354	(1)
Rehabilitation Programs	355	(4)
Arthritis and Related Disorders	359	(14)
Types of Arthritis	360	(1)
Scientific Treatment Methods	361	(3)
Susceptibility to Quackery	364	(1)
Questionable Treatment Methods	365	(5)
Sources of Information	370	(1)
Guidelines for People with Arthritis	371	(2)
Cancer	373	(22)
Risk Factors for Cancer	374	(1)
Preventive Measures	375	(1)
Diagnosis	375	(1)
Prognosis	375	(1)
Evidence-Based Treatment Methods	376	(1)
Diet and Cancer	376	(3)
Susceptibility to Cancer Quackery	379	(2)
Questionable Methods	381	(9)
Promotion of Questionable Methods	390	(2)
Reliable Information	392	(1)
Treatment Guidelines	392	(1)
Consumer Protection Laws	392	(3)
AIDS	395	(12)
Course of the Disease	396	(1)
Testing Procedures	397	(1)
Prevention	397	(2)
Treatment	399	(1)
Treatment Costs	399	(1)
AIDS-Related Quackery and Fraud	400	(7)
V. Other Products and Services
Drug Products	407	(34)
Medication Types	408	(1)
Pharmacists	409	(1)
Prescription Drugs	410	(1)
Generic vs. Brand-Name Drugs	411	(1)
Drug Interactions	412	(3)
Drug Recalls	415	(1)
Internet Pharmacy Sales	415	(1)
Innovations in Drug Delivery	415	(1)
Over-the-Counter Drugs	416	(1)
FDA's OTC Review	417	(1)
Allergy Products	418	(2)
External Analgesics	420	(1)
Internal Analgesics	421	(2)
Antacids and HZ Blockers	423	(1)
Antibiotics	424	(2)
OTC First-Aid Antimicrobials	426	(1)
``Aphrodisiacs'' (Alleged Sex Enhancers)	426	(1)
Remedies for Common Foot Problems	427	(1)
Cough and Cold Remedies	427	(2)
Sore-Throat Products	429	(1)
Diarrhea Remedies	429	(1)
Ophthalmic Products	429	(1)
Alleged Hangover Products	430	(1)
Hemorrhoidals	430	(1)
Iron-Containing Products	431	(1)
Laxatives	431	(2)
Motion Sickness Remedies	433	(1)
Sleep Aids	433	(1)
Smoking Deterrents	434	(1)
Stimulants for Fatigue	434	(2)
Home Medicine Cabinet	436	(1)
Prudent Use of Medication	436	(5)
Skin Care and Beauty Aids	441	(18)
Cosmetic Regulation	442	(1)
Soaps	442	(1)
Moisturizers	443	(1)
Questionable Claims	444	(1)
OTC Tretinoin	445	(1)
Fade Creams	446	(1)
Antiperspirants and Deodorants	446	(1)
Acne Care	446	(1)
Hair and Scalp Care	447	(2)
Hair Loss	449	(2)
Sun Protection	451	(1)
Cosmetic Surgery	452	(4)
Laser Phototherapy	456	(1)
Camouflage Cosmetics	456	(3)
Especially for Women	459	(18)
Menstrual Products	460	(1)
Menstrual Problems	460	(2)
Vaginal Hygiene	462	(1)
Vaginitis	462	(1)
Contraception	463	(5)
Voluntary Abortions	468	(1)
Infertility	469	(1)
Genetic Testing and Prenatal Counseling	469	(1)
Pregnancy and Delivery	470	(1)
Infant Feeding	471	(1)
Osteoporosis	471	(1)
Hormone-Replacement Therapy	472	(1)
Mastectomy Prostheses	473	(4)
Health Devices	477	(18)
Medical Device Regulation	478	(2)
Vision Products and Services	480	(6)
Hearing Aids	486	(3)
Dubious Water Purifier Promotions	489	(1)
Humidifiers	489	(1)
Personal Emergency Response Systems	490	(1)
The Latex Allergy Epidemic	490	(1)
Quack Devices	491	(4)
Coping with Death	495	(18)
Advance Directives	496	(3)
Donations of Organs and Tissues	499	(2)
Hospice Care	501	(1)
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide	502	(1)
Reasons for an Autopsy	503	(1)
Body Disposition	503	(3)
Grief and Mourning	506	(1)
Life-Extension Quackery	507	(6)
VI. Protection of the Consumer
Health Insurance	513	(18)
Basic Health Insurance	514	(2)
Major Medical Coverage	516	(1)
Contract Provisions	516	(1)
Types of Plans	517	(2)
Medicare	519	(3)
Medicaid	522	(1)
Long-Term Care Insurance	522	(1)
Dental Insurance	523	(1)
Loss Ratios	523	(1)
Indemnity vs. Managed Care	524	(1)
Medical Savings Accounts	525	(1)
Choosing a Policy	525	(2)
Collection of Insurance Benefits	527	(2)
Disability Insurance	529	(2)
Health-Care Economics	531	(16)
Health-Care Costs	532	(4)
Cost-Control Methods	536	(4)
Insurance Fraud and Abuse	540	(1)
National Health Insurance (NHI)	541	(6)
Consumer Laws, Agencies, and Strategies	547	(22)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration	548	(10)
Federal Trade Commission	558	(3)
U.S. Postal Service	561	(2)
Other Federal Agencies	563	(1)
State and Local Agencies	563	(1)
Nongovernmental Organizations	563	(4)
Consumer Action	567	(2)
Appendix: Reliable Sources of Information	569	(4)
Federal Government Agencies	570	(1)
Nongovernmental Organizations	570	(3)
Glossary	573	(12)
Index	585