National Health Goals Introduction Quacks and Quackery - Quacks can be identified by their unscientific practices.
- Experts have a good education, have a good scientific base, and meet other professional criteria.
- You can reduce your susceptibility to quackery by being an informed consumer.
Physical Activity and Exercise Equipment - There is no easy way to get the benefits from physical activity.
- Claims for many forms of exercise are overstated or unsubstantiated.
- Contrary to claims, passive exercises do not provide any benefits for fitness or weight loss.
- Home exercise equipment can be helpful, but care should be used when selecting and purchasing equipment.
- The use of hand weights and wrist weights while walking, running, dancing, or bench-stepping can increase the energy expenditure but requires caution.
Health and Fitness Clubs - Health and fitness clubs provide access to equipment and support but it is important to consider a number of factors before deciding to join.
Body Composition - Getting rid of cellulite does not require a special exercise, diet, cream, or device, as some books and advertisements insist.
- Spot-reducing, or losing fat from a specific location on the body, is not possible.
- Surgically sculpting the body with implants and liposuction to acquire physical beauty will not give you physical fitness and may be harmful.
Nutrition - Diets are a major source of quackery.
- It is not true that, if a little something is "good", more is "better".
- Beware of energy drinks with "boosts" sold at health bars in fitness clubs.
- Current legislation does not protect food supplement customers.
- Consumers should review the evidence carefully before using supplements.
- The cost of supplementation is substantial.
- Be wary of claims made for supplements.
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.
Books, Magazines, and Articles - Not all books provide scientifically sound, accurate, and reliable information.
The Internet- Not all websites provide scientifically sound, accurate and reliable information.
Strategies for Action - Being a good consumer requires time, information, and effort.
Web Resources Suggested Readings |
