Quacks and Quackery

You choices are influenced by family, friends, and advertising. Choices may also be influenced by other factors. Fear of illness, aging, death, and pain may strongly influence a consumer’s choice. The fear of being unattractive and unpopular is also a powerful influence. Unfortunately, these fears may prompt a consumer to select an ineffective or harmful health product or service that wastes both money and time. Each year more than ten billion dollaes is wasted on quackery. Quackery is the promotion and selling of ineffective or harmful products and services. A quack is a person who promotes or sells ineffective or harmful health products and/or services.

Why is quackery profitable? Why are quacks so successful? Illness, aging death, and pain are uncomfortable experiences for many persons. Many fear being unattractive or unpopular. A quack uses these fears to make sales. As you might imagine, persons with diseases such as arthritis or cancer are the target of much quackery. Persons whho have these diseases want to live longer and more healthful lives without pain. The quack promises results that appeal to their needs. Unfortunately, much money and time is wasted. The wasted time may delay getting effective care from a competent physician.

The fountain of youth concept is another motivator that entices many consumers to fall prey to quackery. The promise of beautiful skin without wrinkles may motivate a consumer to buy an ineffective product. The quack works on a person’s emotions to make a sale.

A particular concern for teenagers involves not being attractive and popular. Quacks capitalize on these fears and tru to persuade teens to buy products guaranteed to help losse weight or to clear up ance. Other devices include products that claim to develop a larger bust or make you grow taller. Remember, these concerns should be discussed with your oarents or guardian and your family physician.

How can you avoid quackery? First, understand your emotions. Be aware of your fears if you have any. Know what you would like to change about youeself. Second, recognize signals that can alert question in the being used. Refer to each question . If one or more of the answers to these questions is yes, you should suspect quackery.