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artical_1_and_3.docx

Chapter 1: Introduction to Consumer Health: Orthodox and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Health- a number of definitions have been presented for health: WHO defines health as a state of total well-being (physically, socially, and mentally), rather than the absence of disease and illness. Health can as well be defined as a quality of life that involves dynamic interactions as well as independence amongst physical wellbeing, mental and emotional reactions of an individual, as well as the social complex within which the individual exists. The third definition of health and one which is more perspective in the accurate assessment health status assessment is that it is an integrated functioning approach focused on to make the most of the potential of which a person is capable. It entails that a person keeps a variety of balance as well as purposeful direction with his/her functioning environment.

Disease or Illness- this can either be a physical or mental disorder. In most cases, physical conditions occur as a result of pathogens or germs. However, not all of them are. Physical diseases are treated with regard to the pathogen type. Mental conditions, on the other hand, can be treated by way of medication or/and counseling.

A lot of money is spent on healthcare internationally. Out of the $21.8 billion spent on healthcare in 2007, the U.S. spent $10 billion of that amount. The country spends $6,714 per person, which is by far much compared to 2 dozens other developed nations.

Orthodox medicine is simply traditional medicine. It is administered by orthodox doctors, who are either osteopathic or allopathic doctors. Complementary & alternative medicine includes numerous methodologies to healthcare that various practitioners offer. It is as well referred to as a group of varied medical as well as healthcare systems, products, and practices, which are not reflected as part of conventional medicine today.

The key difference between alternative medicine and orthodox medicine is that orthodox medicine is practiced by trained doctors while alternative medicine is not considered conventional medicine. Despite this, people still seek alternative medicine practices. This is because of the ineffectiveness and cost of conventional medicine. In addition, individuals feel enabled to make their personal healthcare decisions and such practices are also compatible with some user’s spiritual beliefs and values.

Chapter 3: Advertising Health Products

The food & drug act, as well as the Sherley Amendment, are consumer protection laws. They make it unlawful for firms to make deceitful claims about the products they produce. In addition, they bar companies from advertising such misleading claims to the public as a whole.

Health Advertising is important as well as effective in advertising. This is because it helps advertisers target only parties interested in their products. It helps save costs involved in sending ads to the general public. There are various advertising approaches that advertisers use today. Some of the most popular include the following:

· The Weasel Chain- these are substantial looking arguments that are just empty

· Unfinished claims- arguments indication that one-product ids better than others, however, without explain how.

· Difference and uniqueness argument- argument that a product is the best

· Endorsement- using a famous individual to influence consumers

· Scientific claim- claims based on research

· Rhetorical claims- enticing consumers through questions, mostly about how they would like to feel or what they would like to become

· Complementing the consumer- enticing consumers by way of flattering them

A consumer goes through a number of stages while making the decision to buy a product:

· Recognition requirement- this is the need to know for what purpose the product is needed. This is achieved through advertisements.

· Information Search- here, a consumer collects information from the internet, friends, advertisements, and so on.

· Alternative evaluation- a consumer determines what suits him/her best between the product and other alternative products.

· Purchase- the consumer decides and buys the product from a certain seller at a given cost.

· Evaluation- while using the product, the consumer determines whether he/she made a wise investment and how best the product satisfies him/her.

Consumers should not let advertisement merely persuade them into buying a product. Instead, they should read through and see if such a product has real benefit. This is the way to making health decisions regarding personal health as well as well-being.