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Mapeh Grade 10 - Health

The document discusses consumer health and provides information on health information, products, and services. It defines a health consumer as someone who examines health information to make purchasing decisions. Trusted sources of health information are listed, as well as criteria for evaluating the credibility of health information. Factors for evaluating health products and services include cost, quality, and safety. Risks of over-the-counter drugs and cosmetic products are outlined. Questions are provided to help consumers identify questionable health products or services.
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
1K views27 pages

Mapeh Grade 10 - Health

The document discusses consumer health and provides information on health information, products, and services. It defines a health consumer as someone who examines health information to make purchasing decisions. Trusted sources of health information are listed, as well as criteria for evaluating the credibility of health information. Factors for evaluating health products and services include cost, quality, and safety. Risks of over-the-counter drugs and cosmetic products are outlined. Questions are provided to help consumers identify questionable health products or services.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 27

HEALTH

Lesson 1- Consumer Health

CONSUMER HEALTH

Consumer health is not just about buying health products and services. It
also involves the facts and understanding that enable people to make wise
choices. Health information, health products, and health services are all related
to bringing consumer health. Health information is important to decide what
health products and health services to acquire. Health service personnel are
also sources of health information. These three factors are important to
consider in consumer health

HEALTH CONSUMER

A health consumer is someone who examines health information in


products and services. The consumer is the one who purchases and utilizes the
goods and services.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Health information is everything that is seen, read, or heard in relation to


human and community health. Knowing them helps in choosing which can be
trusted, which is fake, or which advertisement is risky.

Sources of Trusted Health Sources of Risky Health


Information Information
 Family doctor or school  Outdated culture and
 Medical specialists referred by traditions
doctors  Personal options and incomplete
 Local health officials of health information
centers  Unreliable media and
 Management or head of a testimonials
hospital  Quack or pseudo healers
 Health teachers or workers
 Bureau of Food and Drugs
 Philippine Dental Association
 National voluntary agencies like
the Philippine National Red
Cross
 Editors of health magazines,
question and-answer articles
which are referred to
concerned government
officials.

It is very important to remember that not all you see, hear, or read about
health is correct. It is important that you know how to evaluate the reliability
of the information.

Here are the criteria that you can use in evaluating health information.

1. Credibility - It means the source must be from competent and reliable


individual, agency or organization. The information must be up-to-date.

2. Content - It means you should look at the following:

a) Accuracy - The information must be correct and complete with scientific


basis.

b) Disclaimer - Does it state the restrictions, scope, purpose, authority and


freshness of the information, and the source of health information? It must
emphasize that the health information is general and it is not a medical
recommendation.

c) Completeness - The information must be complete and balanced. There


must be no hidden or missing facts about the subject.

3. Disclosure - It mea it should include the purpose for giving the health
information. Is it a marketing product and service, or a primary information
content provider?

4. Interactivity - It must provide means for consumer's comment or to give


their feedback about the health information.
HEALTH PRODUCTS

There are so many products that are being promoted through


advertisement. Keep in mind that you have to critically analyze the information
provided by the advertisement. Some might be misleading since the target is to
persuade consumers to purchase the product. You as a consumer, must make
wise purchasing decisions. You can do that by doing comparison shop. Comparison
shopping is judging the benefits of different products by comparing several
factors, such as quality, features, and the cost.

The criteria in evaluating health


products and services are the following:
1. Cost - Compare the price of the same
brand or similar brands at several
stores before you decide to buy.

2. Features - Look for the features


that are beneficial, or useful to you.

3. Quality - Look for a well-made


product that works well.

4. Warranty - Before buying an expensive product, ask for warranty. That is


repairing, replacing the product if it does not work properly, or refunding your
money.

5. Safety - You should always consider safety when buying home, recreational,
sports equipment/products, or using health services.

6. Recommendations - Ask some trusted adults who have used the


product/services that you plan to purchase. They can give you reliable
information about it.

Remember, the decision is yours. Decide if the information you get about
the products and services are useful facts or information. You are a wise
consumer if you know how to judge or evaluate the products you purchase and
the services you use.
A. Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Drugs - More than half a
million of OTC health care
products are available,
varying from mouthwashes
to pain relievers. Even
some of the most
beneficial OTC drugs can
be unsafe. The following
are examples of the risks
of using these drugs:
 Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can harm the stomach lining and
lead to ulcer, while large dosages can bring kidney damage.
 Acetaminophen, used for fever and pain reliever for children, if taken in
heavy doses can cause bleeding and liver pain. These pain relievers should
be taken with food and a glass of water to avoid irritation to the stomach
lining.
 Prolonged use of nasal sprays that relieve congestion can cause blood
vessels in the nose to swell and can worsen congestion. This is called the
rebound effect. It can also result to bleeding and loss of the sense of
smell.
 Frequent use of laxatives destroys flora in the intestinal tract, making
constipation even worse. Exercise and high-fiber diet are safer
alternatives for promoting normal defecation

B. Cosmetic Products - Many health care products are intended for external
use. Some have little effect but due to advertising campaigns and
misconceptions, they are extensively used.

 Skin Care Products - OTC skin


rejuvenators have never shown efficacy
in changing skin properties. Moisturizers
prevent the skin from drying for only a
limited period of time. Deodorants and
anti-perspirants help control body odor
but no product can prevent sweating in extremely hot weather or
during exercise. Sweating is the primary means of cooling the body.
Regular washing is essential if the bacteria and other odor-causing
substances are to be removed.
 Hair Care Products. Several products are designed to remove hair,
like shaving. Tweezers
used to pluck unwanted
hair might present some
danger of infection when
adjacent skin is not dean.
Chemical products are
usually safe but there is
always the possibility of skin reactions, Irritations, and infections.
A dermatologist should be consulted whenever symptoms appear.
 Oral Care Products. Oral
products include
toothpaste, mouthwashes,
and gargles. Water supply
containing fluoride also
helps prevent dental
cavities. It is unwise to
purchase toothpaste with
whiteners because they
contain abrasive elements
that damage the teeth.
Mouth washes and gargles do little to eliminate bad odor or treat a
sore throat. Odors are carried from the intestines to the lungs.
Bad breath may be a symptom of infections, tumors, or diabetes.
Excessive use of mouthwash can dry the mucous membranes,
making the throat even more irritated.
Did you know that…..

Answering YES to the following questions means that you need to be more suspicious
and cautious before buying a health product.
1. Does a health product or a health service claim to be a scientific breakthrough, to have a
secret ingredient/procedure, or to be a miraculous cure or an ancient remedy/ practice?
2. Does a health product or a health service claim to cure a multiple or a wide range illness?
3. Does a health product or a health service use impressive-sounding medical terms?
4. Does a health product or a health service offer anecdotes or case histories of people who
experienced amazing results?
5. Is a health product or a health service available only from one person as its sole source
or does it need an advanced payment of money-back guarantee schemes?
6. Is a health product or a health service advertised via the Internet without including on
their website the company's name, address, phone number, and other important
information?

HEALTH SERVICES

Activities that are done to assess, maintain, or improve the individual's


health can be considered as health services. These also include the diagnosis
and the treatment of illnesses, injuries, or disabilities

How are health services evaluated?

Evaluation of health services is an important element in the definition of


an adequate and affordable health care system. For a health care company, it is
essential to understand how its consumers perceive and value its products.
Every company should know how its image is perceived by potential consumers
and, when necessary, redesign products and services according to this
perception.

In evaluating health services, the consumers' preferences may be


measured in relation to these five attributes, namely:

1. location of service points;


2. effectiveness of doctors, clinics, and hospitals;
3. promptness and kindness when caring for patients and family members;
4. ease of access to the authorization forms for consultations;
5. price; and
6. diversity of available doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

ACTIVITIES

Remembering What You Learned

1. What are the criteria in evaluating health information, products, and


services?

Thinking What You Learned

1. Discuss ways to get reliable health information and services.


Applying What You Learned

1. Make a list of reliable professional health agencies/voluntary health


agencies/medical societies that are dependable sources of information/
services in your community. Write the telephone number and the address.
HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS

Who are our health service providers? They are trained health
professionals who provide medical care and services to people who need health
care. They are the physicians, health care practitioners, and other allied health
professionals.

Health Professionals

Those who are licensed to practice medicine are the physicians. They are
the most knowledgeable to get the patients' medical histories, skilled to
perform physical examination, give diagnosis, and most specially licensed to
prescribe medications. Some of them are licensed to perform an operation or
surgery.

There are health professionals who have specialized training in a specific


area, they are called specialists. You should know where to go or whom to
consult if you have specific health problem.
Some of medical specialists you must be aware of are the following:

Medical Specialists Allergists - Specialists who diagnose and treat


allergies.
Anesthesiologist- Administration of anesthesia like in
surgery.
Cardiologist – They specialized in treating the heart
and blood vessels. Coronary artery disease; heart
disease.
Dermatologist – They specialized in treating skin
problems or skin conditions.
Endocrinologists - Specialists in diagnosis and
treatment of glandular disorders.
Family practice physician - General care physician
Gastroenterologists - They specialized in treating
digestive tract disorders.
Geriatricians - They specialized in providing care and
treatment to elderly.
Gynecologists - They specialized in providing care and
treatment of female reproductive health. Internists -
They provide nonsurgical treatment of internal organs.
Neurologists-They treat nervous system disorders.
Obstetrician- Treatment of diseases in adults
Pregnancy, labor, childbirth.
Oncologists - They are the specialists in treating
tumors and cancer.
Ophthalmologist- Eye disease and treatment
Otolaryngologists (EENT) - They specialized in
treating disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.
Pediatricians - They provide care and treat children's
diseases.
Primary-care physician- General health and medical
care
Surgeon-Treats diseases by surgery.
Urologists - Specialists who diagnose and treat
disorders of the urinary tract.
Dental Specialists Dentist - General care of teeth and oral cavity
Endodontist - They specialized in treating diseases of
tooth below gum line and root canal therapy.
Orthodontist- They specialized in teeth alignment,
malocclusion
Pedodontist – Specialist for dental care of children
Periodontist - They specialized in treating diseases
supporting structures
Prosthodontist – specialized construction of artificial
appliances for the mouth
Mental Health Psychiatrists - They provide treatment of mental and
Specialists emotional disorders.
Psychologists- General care of mental and emotional
wellness
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist - Specialist in
Children's mental and emotional problems.
Other Health Nurses- general care of patients in the hospital.
Professionals Midwives – Child delivery assistance.

HEALTH FACILITIES

Selecting the correct health facilities to ensure positive health-care


experience is very critical. We have public and private hospitals, clinics, and
health centers. Treatments are provided by these medical facilities, depending
on the nature of the treatment required.

If you consider a hospital or clinic for any treatment, you should be aware
of the licensure requirements for the various accreditations of the facility. An
accredited hospital or clinic has met rigorous standards set for the facility.
This accreditation indicates the likelihood of high quality care and services.
Your knowledge and responsible action in selecting health practitioners
and health facilities providers will reduce the likelihood of being financially or
physically abused.

HEALTH CARE PLANS AND FINANCING SYSTEMS


(PhilHealth, Health Maintenance Organization, Private Health Insurance)

The most common form of prepaid health plan, is the health maintenance
organization (HMO) that provides prepaid health care for its members. A
member of this health care plan can pay a set premium and have practically all
of the health care, including clinic visits and diagnostic tests, paid for in
advance. HMO provides care at the lowest possible cost.

There are private health programs/health insurance that protect people


from the high cost of medical care. These are useful in helping the patients pay
for hospital bills and other hospital-related expenses. Private health insurance
plan must be studied carefully before considering to get it. You must know what
services and treatment are covered and which are excluded. A medical expense
that is paid for under the terms of a health insurance plan is the covered
expense. A medical expense that a health insurance will not pay is the excluded
expense. In choosing any health insurance, be wise and you should know the
terms and conditions it offers.

The government offers health-care insurance for people. The health


Insurance is the answer to growing health care problems. There are two types
of medical insurance programs, the public and the private program. The
Government Social Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System
(SSS) are both concerned with the health care of employees. GSIS is for
government employees while SSS is for private employees. PhilHealth is another
program that helps all members and their dependents who have been
hospitalized.

In RA 10645 or "An Act


Providing for the Mandatory
PhilHealth Coverage for All Senior
Citizens," all citizens who are 60 years old and above will receive the benefits
and discounts extended to ordinary PhilHealth members by just presenting a
valid ID that proves their real age. Health programs and health insurance are
very useful for all members of health services with assistance for their medical
and hospital expenses.

ACTIVITIES

Remembering What You Learned

There are health specialists who will help you with your specific health problem.
The following items have some scrambled words that name the specialist for a
particular health problem. Unscramble the word and write the correct answer
on the blank.

_________________1. They specialized in treating the heart and blood


vessels. (gociardolists)

_________________2. They specialized in treating skin problems.


(meratologdists)

_________________3. Specialists in diagnosis and treatment of glandular


disorders. (denocinrologists)

_________________4. They specialized in treating digestive tract disorders.


(astroentroelgogists)

_________________5. They specialized in providing care and treatment to


elderly. (teriargicians)

_________________6. They provide nonsurgical treatment of internal organs.


(tinernists)

_________________7. They treat nervous system disorders. (Ineuroogists)

_________________8. They are the specialists in treating tumors and cancer.


(conologists)

_________________9. They provide medical, surgical care and treatment of


the eyes. (hpothalomlogists)
_________________10. They provide care and treatment of pregnant women
and their unborn babies. (tobsetricians)

Thinking What You Learned

What medical insurance programs are intended for government and private
employees?

Applying What You Learned

What would you do to avoid being financially or physically abused by some health
facilities?
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE MODALITIES

Herbal Medicine (Medicinal Plants Approved by the Department of Health)

There are traditional medicines provided by herbalists or herbal medicine


practitioners like the hilot and albularyo. Some legitimate traditional herbal
medicine practitioners practice within the limitations of their training. Some of
them have trained under the program of the Department of Health.

We have RA 8423 known as "Traditional and Alternative Medical Act"


legitimizing alternative medicine in the Philippines. Herbal or medicinal plants
approved by the Department of Health are now widely used.

The Ten Philippine English Name Their Functions


Medicinal Plants
Akapulko Acapulco For the treatment of insect bites,
itchiness, ringworms, infections,
scabies, and eczema
Ampalaya Bitter melon or As supplement in treating diabetes,
Bitter gourd burns, coughs, and hemorrhoids
Bawang Garlic As supplement in reducing blood
cholesterol level: used also as
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drug
Bayabas Guava Used as anti-oxidant, anti-allergy, anti-
microbial, and anti-diabetic drug
Lagundi Lagundi or 5-leaf For the treatment of cough, colds, and
chaste tree fever
Niyog-niyogan Chinese honeysuckle For the elimination of intestinal
parasites
Sambong Blumea or Ngai As supplement in treating hypertension,
Camphor rheumatism, cough, and colds
Tsaang-Gubat Wild Tea For the treatment of skin allergies
Ulasimang Bato or Pepperoma pellucid For treating arthritis and gout
Pansit-pasitan
Yerba Buena Peppermint For insect bites, coughs, and colds

Herbalists base their health treatment on the medicinal qualities of


plants. Plants have been used for medical purposes since our earliest beginnings.
Every known culture has attempted to harness the healing powers of plants.
Today, plants are used in many commercially prepared drug preparations These
plants are prepared in tablets, capsule, or syrups after extensive chemical
analysis or studies.

Alternative medicines include the following: herbal preparations, food


supplements, massage therapy, and other medicines considered to complement
regular medicine, they are not considered as standard medical practices by the
experts in medicine; thus, alternative medicine can just accompany but not replace
the regular medicines prescribed by medical specialists.

Acupuncture

It is an ancient massage skill that


has been practiced in China for many
years ago. This practice has really
gained acceptance as an alternative
medicine in many countries like in the
Philippines. Traditional acupuncture is
based on the theory that an energy
force-the Chi, flows throughout our
body along 12 special channels called
meridians. As long as the force can flow
freely we remain healthy, but if the meridians get blocked we become ill.

Acupuncturists use fine needles which are inserted in specific points to


clean out the meridians and bring back the flow of Chi. Before doing the
procedure, acupuncturists have to do a diagnosis to the patient. Once the
diagnosis has been made, the treatment begins. Sterile needles are inserted
into some of the body's acupuncture points and manipulated in order to release
blocked flows of energy. It is most commonly used to relieve pain, such as
arthritis, migraine, and period pain, and to cure addiction such as smoking and
overeating. Although it does work for some, a lot depends on the patient's
motivation.

In order for acupuncture to be safe, conditions must be hygienic to avoid


transmission of infections like AIDS and hepatitis. In choosing an acupuncturist
you must consider the following:

1. The acupuncturist must be a qualified one who has a good knowledge of


human anatomy.

2. Personal recommendation from a person you trust who have had


experienced the treatment will help to choose a reputable acupuncturist.
3. Cleanliness and practically equipped premises should also be considered.
4. Ask the therapist about the procedure, a reputable one will be quite
prepared to tell you about his practice and how he may be able to help
you. If he cannot do not submit to his treatment.

Ventosa Massage or Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy or ventosa is


the method of using glass or plastic
cups to create localized pressure by a
vacuum. This had been practiced
during ancient times by the Chinese.
Today, cupping sets use suction to
create the vacuum. The vacuum inside
the cups causes the blood to form in
the area and help the healing in that
area.

Chinese ancient medicine believed that the body contains "meridians."


These meridians are passageways in the body which the energy of life called Qi
("Chi") flows through. It flows through every body part, tissue, and organ.
Cupping therapy is generally done on one's back because there are five
meridians on your back. Once these meridians are opened, the internal energy is
able to flow through your whole body.
Ventosa or cupping therapy also helps release toxins in your body. The
suction from the cups can enter deep into your tissues causing the tissues to
release harmful toxins. It activates the lymphatic system, clears the blood
vessels, and stretches and activates your skin. New advancements in technology
and materials have been integrated with cupping therapies and its uses now
range for many different treatments and applications.

Reflexology

Foot massage has been


used as a form of pressure
therapy in China many years
ago. It has developed into a
modern science called
reflexology. It is also known as
zone therapy. It is a holistic
medicine which attempts to
harmonize all three elements of
well-being--mind, body, and spirit. It is based on the belief that good health is
directed by the balance of the physical, spiritual, and emotional energy which
flows through unseen zones in the body.

When these zones are blocked, you experience pain and discomfort.
Massaging the appropriate reflex point can unblock the energy by stimulating
the nervous system and blood circulation, promoting self-healing and relaxing
the energy pathways. The body's natural balance then returns and the pain is
reduced.

The massage treatment involved in reflexology is extremely effective in


countering the effects of stress and tension, and can be so relaxing. It even
causes people to fall asleep during the session. As it is already accepted within
the medical institution that a large proportion of all diseases and disorders are
stress-related, reflexology can be helpful to the vast majority of people.
Remember that foot reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment, you
are always encouraged to seek professional medical help when needed.
Reflexology can be used in combination with most treatments for most
conditions. However, if being treated by a medical professional, get that
professional's approval before going to a reflexologist for that medical body
condition.

Naturopathy

Naturopathic theory promotes the beliefs that it is our natural healing


abilities that can cure us of any ailments, rather than drugs or other external
agents. Naturopath aims to stimulate the natural life force within the patients,
using natural means. Using only natural elements such as food, rest, water,
sunlight, and relaxation, naturopath tries to stimulate the body into healing
itself.

There are types of treatment that naturopath usually recommend. These


are the following:

1. Fasting - It is done under supervision. You can fast on fruit juices,


fruits, water, or even on plain brown rice. Temporary lack of food boosts the
immune system's response to disease.

2. Hydrotherapy -Water treatments are common in naturopathic practice.


Treatment can include cold or hot applications of water for bathing or used as
sprays, compresses, packs, steam baths, ice poultice, or in irrigation of the
colon. Enemas are commonly used to enable the vowel to be cleansed during the
fast.

3. Diet- Naturopath recommends nutritious wholefood diet like


vegetables and one that is mainly based on raw food. Organic foods are also
recommended.

4. Air and sunlight - Getting out into the


fresh air is good for the mind as well as the body.

A naturopath never claims to cure an illness,


but instead aims to help the body overcome the
ailment itself. The therapist is basically re-
educating the clients into a healthier way of living.
It depends on how far the client wants to 30 in
changing or improving his or her own lifestyle.
ACTIVITIES

Remembering What You Learned

1. Name some medicinal plants that are already approved by the Department
of Health.

2. What do you understand about reflexology, acupuncture, and


naturopathy?
Thinking What You Learned

1. In what way do the hilot and albularyo help people in isolated area with no
health professionals?

2. Cite situations when the hilot, albularyo, and reflexologist can be very
helpful?
Cross-curricular Link

Link to Science

Collect pictures of medicinal plants. In each picture, write how it is used to


treat common illnesses. Prepare a portfolio of medicinal plants and their uses.

QUACKERY

Quackery is the promotion of false and unproven health products and services
for a profit. It is a consumer fraud that involves the practices of promoting and
selling useless products and services. Some of the claims of these health
products are:

1. a scientific breakthrough

2. to have a secret ingredient or


procedure

3. being a miraculous cure or an


ancient remedy or practice cures multiple
or a wide range of illnesses

QUACK

A quack is a person or company involved in health fraud which usually tries


hard to appear scientific. A quack may endorse products or services with a
promise of quick cures, miracles, or unbelievable formulas. Quacks tell people
what they want to hear. They may sell door-to-door or by telephone rather than
in conventional ways. They provide testimonials from people who are believed to
have been healed by particular products.
There are a lot of frauds not just in health products and services but in
almost all, if not all kinds of trading. Consumers are the usual victims of these
unfair acts. Many are not aware that consumers have protection from
deceptions in trading. What are the rights of consumers? How are they
protected?

HEALTH FRAUD

Health fraud is the advertising, promotion, and sale of products and


services that have not been scientifically proven safe and effective.

Quacker Approach
y
Medical It uses fake, ineffective, and risky means for claimed medical cure.
Quackery It includes d therapy, risky abortion, and diagnosis by eye
examination. Note that delaying medical treatment or cure may result
to complication and death.
Cancer Though the cause of cancer is still not thoroughly discovered, quacks
Quackery give false cures like "secret" formulas. Some known quack cures are
Koch treatment - using distilled water and Murchison - fermenting
wheat, yeast, salt, and water, and using molds. Patients may die from
delayed medical attention.
Food Quackery Quacks sell food, in which ingredients do not contain substances good
for the body and might be risky. These foods may oversupply certain
substances that may lead to kidney stones due to high salt content,
high blood due to high-protein content, or lack of it like goiter,
anemia, etc.
Arthritis and Rheumatism still has no sure cure. Because this ailment keeps coming
Rheumatism back, quacks may claim credit through the usual use of massage
Quackery devices, uranium pads, lineman and copper bracelets. Rheumatism may
become severe.
Device Quacks in the Philippines use necklaces, pyramids, and toning water to
Quackery falsely diagnose illness with these devices instead of medical
equipment like x-ray, electrocardiogram, and electroencephalogram.
Beauty Many individuals like to have a pleasing appearance. There are many
Quackery quack product being sold pretending to give beautiful skin, reduce
weight, strengthen hair, or do body parts enlargement. Effects would
include skin infections and hair loss.
Psychological This quackery involves the abuse of minds. These include Psychic
Quackery Healing like faith healers, psychic surgery, incompetent
Psychotherapy-quack therapists and fake sex therapy clinics.
Patients may have the risk of delaying medical attention and add up
to present problems or illnesses.
Balding Quack products in hair growth include pseudo hair growing shampoos,
Quackery hair weavers, special tonics, suction devices, and electric brushes.
Hair implant may result to infection while hair weaving may result to
hair loss and infection.
CONSUMER WELFARE AND PROTECTION

Our national and local agencies are having a big role in looking after the
welfare and protection of all consumers. Consumer law and consumer protection
agencies and organizations all safeguard consumers.

Consumer Laws

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) enforces "Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act" or RA 3720 to ensure safe and good quality of foods, drugs, and
cosmetics by establishing the standard and quality of products and services.
This is under the Department of Health (DOH). This act requires that foods,
drugs, and cosmetics be produced under sanitary conditions and be proved free
from danger for consumers to use. It also requires that truthful and useful
information should be written on packages containing the product and needed
warning should be indicated.

A wise consumer should know the different consumer laws that protect
his/her health and welfare. The "Consumer Act of the Philippines" or RA 7394
will protect the interest of the consumer promote general welfare, and to
establish standards of conduct for business and industry. Consumers must also
know the different private organizations that also help protect consumers. As a
consumer, you can also help protect yourself by returning faulty products to the
manufacturer.

You can also help others if you take action to protect yourself as a
consumer. Be a vigilant and a wise consumer.

Consumer Protection Agencies and Organizations

Consumers have basic rights. They have the right to be protected from
the selling of dangerous and unsafe products. They also have the right to be
protected from misleading information/advertising. Consumers can ask for the
complete information they need to know to make good choices in buying a
product. Their right to speak out when not satisfied with the products/ services
should be exercised.

Consumers must know where to go for any complaint. The Department of


Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Trade and
Industry are some of the government agencies that protect the consumer's
rights.

Remember that regardless of how much assistance is available, the


ultimate responsibility for your health rests with you. You have the rights but
you also have the responsibilities.

It is your responsibility to be –

1. knowledgeable about health information;

2. informed about health-care specialists, health-care services, and


agencies available;

3. assertive in exercising your rights and protecting your interests

4. more alert and ask appropriate questions when necessary.


ACTIVITIES

Remembering What You Learned

What are the laws that protect consumers?

Thinking What You Learned


1. How does the Food and Drugs Administration help protect the
consumers?

Cross-curricular Link

Link to Araling Panlipunan

Collect news from newspapers/internet about illegal practices or violations of


consumer laws. You can post the news on one side of a cartolina/construction
paper and opposite each news ,write the violation and penalties for the illegal
act based on consumer laws.

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