1.1 CONSUMER HEALTH

• Health Information - It refers to knowledge, data and facts gained from various sources which enables us to know more about particular health products or services.
• We get health information from pamphlets and brochures, labels, media sources, lectures and forums, publications, online sources, and advice or opinions of health practitioners.
• Reliability - Who is/are giving the information?
• Credibility - What is their reputation in the community and in the country?
• Professionalism - What is their educational background?
• Purpose - How is the information presented?
• Purpose - Is it in an educational and science-based or advertisement and marketing gimmick?
• Motivation - Is it intended to improve health and well-being or for profit?
• Health Products - Are those substances, materials, or equipment prepared or manufactured for purchase and use in the maintenance of health and the treatment of diseases.
• Health Products - These are items that one can consume to improve his/her well-being such as food, medicines, clothes, cosmetics, vaccines, etc.
• Health Services - This refer to health actions, procedures, or work furnished or supplied to help satisfy your needs and wants as a consumer.
• Three Categories of Health Service Providers:

  • Health Professionals
  • Health Facilities
  • Health Insurance
• Health Professionals - are individuals who are licensed in a particular medical fields and provide preventive, curative, or rehabilitative health care services to people, families, institutions, and communities.
• Health Professionals - Examples are Doctors, Nurses, Dentist, Medical Technician, Pharmacists, Physical Therapist, and Dieticians
• Medical Specialty Doctors - a doctor or other health care professional who is trained and licensed in a special area of practice.
• Medical Specialty Doctors - Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Neurologist, Pediatrician, Geriatrician, Psychiatrist, Ophthalmologist, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, and Immunologist
• Obstetrician - A type of Medical Specialty in where they specialize in delivering babies and caring for people during pregnancy and after they give birth
• Gynecologist - diagnoses and treats issues with female reproductive organs
• Neurologist - a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats and manages disorders of the brain and nervous system
• Geriatrician - An expert in the branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people.
• Ophtalmologist - eye care specialist
• Immunologists - specialize in treating immune problems
• Health Facilities - are places that provide health care such as hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and specialized care centers.
• Types of Health Facilities:

  • Hospitals
  • Walk-In Sugery Center
  • Health Centers and Lying-In Clinics
  • Diagnostic or Therapeutic Facilities
• Health Insurance - is a financial agreement between an insurance company and an individual or group for the payment of healthcare costs.