Consumer Health

- It refers to the decisions you make about the purchase and use of health information,
products and services that will have a direct effect on your health.
- It aims to develop a person’s ability to evaluate and utilize health information, products and
services wisely and effectively.

Health Information

- It is any concept, step, or advice that various sources give to aid the health status of an
individual and the information is critical as it may alter the health conditions of a person.
Another important characteristic of health information is that it is continuously and rapidly
changing.
- It refers to the data and facts about health products and services you can get from the
media and people including professionals and agencies.

- It is everything that is seen, read, or heard in relation to human and community health.

Sources of TRUSTED Health Information Sources of RISKY Health Information

Family doctor or school Outdated culture and traditions

Medical specialists referred by doctors Personal options and incomplete information
Local health officials of health centers Unreliable media and testimonials
Management or head of a 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

Health Products

- These are food, drugs, cosmetics, devices, biologicals, vaccines, in-vitro diagnostic reagents,
and household, urban hazardous substances and, or a combination of and, or a derivative
thereof (FDA Act 2009).
A. OTC (Over The Counter Drugs)
1. Pain relievers – can harm the stomach lining and lead to ulcer. Large doses can bring
kidney damage.
e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil,, Alaxan)
2. Acetaminophen – can cause bleeding and liver pain
3. Nasal Sprays – prolonged use can cause blood vessels in the nose to swell and can
worsen congestion.
 4. Laxatives – frequent use destroys flora in the intestinal tract. Can worsen
constipation.
B. Cosmetic Products(Intended for external use)
1. Skin care products – Deodorants, OTC skin rejuvenators.
2. Hair care products – several products are designed to remove hair.
3. Oral care products – toothpaste, mouthwashes
*toothpaste with whiteners contains abrasive elements

Health Services

- Aims to appraise the health conditions of individuals through screening and examinations,
cure and treat disorders, prevent and control the spread of diseases, provide safety,
emergency care and first aid, and ensure a follow-up program for individuals who have done
treatments.
- Usually offered by healthcare providers – is a trained professional who provides people with
healthcare.
o How are Health Services Evaluated?
 Location of service points
 Effectiveness of doctors, clinics and hospitals
 Promptness and kindness
 Ease of access
 Price
 Diversity
-

Health Professionals

- individuals who are licensed to practice medicine and other allied health programs
- An example of a health professional is a physician.
- A physician records the medical history of individuals, provides diagnosis, performs medical
examinations and prescribes medications
- There are different types of physicians based on their area of specialization
o MEDICAL SPECIALISTS
 ANESTHESIOLOGIST
 CARDIOLOGIST
 DERMATOLOGIST
 FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIANS
 GYNECOLOGIST
 INTERNIST
 OBSTETRICIAN
 OPTHALMOLOGIST
 SURGEON
 o DENTAL SPECIALIST
 DENTIST
 ENDODONTIST
 ORTHODONTIST
 PEDODONTIST
 PERIODONTIST
 PROSTHODONTIST

o MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

 PSYCHOLOGISTS
 PSYCHIATRIST
 THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIST

o OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

 NURSES
 MIDWIVES

Healthcare practitioner

- An independent healthcare provider who is licensed to practice on a specific area of the

body (e.g. Dentist, Optometrist)