Consumer Health Lecture Notes

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and examples from the Consumer Health lecture, including components of consumer health, reliable and unreliable information sources, health products and services, and various health professionals.

What does being a consumer of health require you to build in order to make wise purchasing decisions?

Your consumer knowledge on health.

Define consumer health.

The decisions you make about the purchase and use of health information, products, and services that directly affect your health.

Name the three main components of consumer health.

Health information, health products, and health services.

According to Galvez Tan et al. (2009), what five qualities should reliable health information possess?

Timely, relevant, culturally appropriate, accessible, and delivered in a relevant format.

Give two examples of reliable sources of health information mentioned in the notes.

Health books and accredited online sources.

Who are considered reliable sources because they have specialized, intensive studies and qualified educational backgrounds in health?

Health professionals (physicians, scientists, teachers, etc.).

Why might friends, neighbors, and relatives be considered reliable health information sources?

Because they generally provide truthful information and aim to prevent harm.

Why are radio and television generally viewed as reliable sources of health information?

Their information is screened before it is aired.

List three examples of print materials that can serve as health information sources.

Magazines, journals, and newspapers (also acceptable: books, pamphlets, posters).

Identify two examples of unreliable health information sources listed in the notes.

Customs and superstitions, information based on ignorance and prejudice (also acceptable: commercialized health information).

Provide the FDA Act (2009) definition of health products.

Food, drugs, cosmetics, devices, biologicals, vaccines, in-vitro diagnostic reagents, household/urban hazardous substances, and their derivatives or combinations.

Name two common places where health products can be purchased.

Supermarkets and pharmacies (also acceptable: hospitals).

Which three broad categories supply people with health information and products?

People, media, and technology.

Health services are usually offered by whom?

Healthcare providers.

State two goals of health service programs mentioned in the notes.

To screen and examine health conditions and to cure and treat disorders (also acceptable: prevent disease spread, provide safety/emergency care/first aid, ensure follow-up).

Who are health professionals?

Individuals licensed to practice medicine and other allied health programs.

What is a healthcare practitioner according to Meeks et al. (2011)?

An independent healthcare provider licensed to practice on a specific area of the body.

What does a physician do?

Records medical history, provides diagnoses, performs medical examinations, and prescribes medications.

Which specialist focuses on finding, treating, and preventing heart and blood-vessel diseases?

Cardiologist.

Which specialist deals with the digestive system and its disorders?

Gastroenterologist.

If you have a significant skin problem, which medical expert should you consult?

Dermatologist.

Which doctor specializes in diseases of the nervous system?

Neurologist.

Which branch of medicine focuses on disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in older adults?

Geriatrics (practiced by a geriatrician).

What does a gynecologist specialize in?

Health of the female reproductive systems and the breasts.

Which physician corrects bone abnormalities and treats bone injuries?

Orthopedist.

Who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes?

Ophthalmologist.

Which medical practitioner specializes in children and their diseases?

Pediatrician.

Who diagnoses and treats diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system?

Urologist.

Which specialist diagnoses and treats lung conditions?

Pulmonologist.