Purchasing Health Products
Jan 13th, 2007 by Jessica Dawn
In his book The Next Trillion, Economist Paul Zane Pilzer addresses why the majority of people in the U.S. are overweight and struggle to be healthy. Paul explains that most people have become caught between the economic interests of the trillion-dollar food industry and the trillion-dollar healthcare industry. The Next Trillion analyzes these two gigantic industries and also discusses the emerging “wellness” industry that will soon become the next trillion dollar industry in our economy.
Did you know the health & wellness industry is being projected as the next trillion dollar industry? Many people are beginning to understand that drug companies & medical businesses actually need people to be sick in order to make money. It’s contrary to the efficacy of their business to provide real, lasting cures for patients.
Unfortunately the food industry has similar motivations. From fast-food chains to hydrogenated oils, this industry has developed profitable ways to provide food on every corner in America. But at what price? Does anyone know the shelf-life of a Twinkie? (if so, write me). Fast-foods deep fried in oil, Twinkies that sit for years on the shelves of convenience stores, hormone shots for dairy cows, preservatives everywhere you look. It’s a far cry from what I consider healthy eating. Yet these products have become staples in the American diet.
As more Americans look at their health and recognize their need to take personal responsibility, the health & wellness industry can now provide real answers to support and improve human health. Still, the health & wellness industry is exactly that, an industry of businessmen and women who are set up to make money!
As the health & wellness industry grows, that means vitamins, supplements, weight loss products, and more are revving up their engines (and marketing tactics) in order to convince you (the consumer) that their product will meet your needs.
Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with vitamins, health foods, and staying up on the latest research. It doesn’t bother me that the wellness industry is growing so rapidly. In fact I think it’s a good sign that we our nation is realizing the importance of our health. I don’t even mind the fact that vitamins, health drinks, and health food stores are becoming more and more popular. And I know that physician administered drugs or surgeries are sometimes necessary for certain people (as long as it’s not me, I hate taking pills!). My concern is for us the consumers because we are often purchasing products and buying with only part of the information we need to spend our money and invest in our health wisely.
As consumers, we are part of a gigantic marketing machine that lures us in with flashy headlines and witty marketing agenda. We hear confirmed research, magnificent claims, and sometimes even see miraculous testimonials for almost every product on the market. Marketing psychologists know their target customers (or should I say prey) like the back of their hand. They’ve studied your profile, they know your problems, and they know just what to say to plant the desire to buy in your mind.
When I say to use discernment, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t buy health foods or stay informed. I just want you to be aware of the fact that health & wellness is a business; a source of income for many, many people. And that means some business people (not all), aren’t always out for your best interest, they’re out to make money at all costs! I’m sure you can see the evidence for yourself when you see certain add campaigns, “miracle health foods”, “fat burners”, and “eternal youth” complexes that are driving our economy right now.
Be aware that no matter if you are using vitamins, herbs, health foods, supplements, prescription obesity drugs, or even over the counter “fat burners”, you should know that these products all fit under the same category called: the trillion dollar health & wellness industry that countless entrepreneurs are banking on.
With all the products on the market, magazine articles, news report, books, and infomercials, it’s easy to assume that your favorite product does what they say it will, without knowing how it is really affecting your body. How is that organic rain forest juice you’ve been drinking each day really working for you anyway? Have you seen the dramatic benefits it promises happen in your life?
Like I said before, I buy lots of different health products just to try them out and see if they work. I love organic foods and health foods. But the truth is most of the benefits we read about and advertisements we see are simply a marketing scheme designed to get us to do one thing, buy their product!
If you do buy vitamins or health foods, make sure you monitor how you feel and any differences you might notice between when you first began using the product and after sustained and regular use or consumption. Don’t just believe what you see in advertisements and marketing schemes that press your “quick fix” buttons.
In tomorrow’s post, I’ll discuss more about the “quick fix” products that are so popular in our society today.
