Safeguarding Against Quackery

A few people in every field claim to have products that work wonders, but are actually frauds. Probably none does so much harm as the medical quack. Quackery is selling products as cures when they have little or no healing power. The quack is the person who promotes the use of these worthless medical products.

Many years ago, quacks traveled by horse-pulled wagons from town to town performing medicine shows. They were entertaining, and the quacks claimed to have a fast cure for diseases and injuries. This kind of show does not exist today, but medical quacks still do. Useless products are sold through the mail, by telephone, and door-to-door. Quacks take advantage of fads, and they profit from the despair and fears of others. Quacks often prey on people who seek help for conditions and diseases that have no current cure. These problems range from baldness to arthritis and some forms of cancer.

How can you avoid becoming a victim of medical quackery? Do not believe guarantees. Beware of secret remedies or people who try to scare you into using a product. Ask questions. Talk to your doctor. Every product should have been tested for safety and usefulness through scientific studies.

Government, business, and private groups have been formed to prevent quackery and encourage proper product testing. The U.S/ Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Is an agency of the federal government that reviews research on food and medical products before they can be sold. This makes sure that they meet certain quality standards. Contact the FDA if you suspect medical quackery. You can also contact your area Better Business Bureau or, if the mail is involved, the U.S. Postal Service.

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