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ARTHRITIS FRAUDSARTHRITIS FRAUDSArthritis is one of the most common diseases which affects millions of people annually. As a result there is a huge market for products pertaining to arthritis. Consequently health frauds regarding it are very common. They are a quick way for many people to earn money at the expense of someone's health. There are hundreds of products and therapies available in the market today, how ever not all of them are useful or safe. To check on whether a product is "government approved," to learn more about an over-the-counter drug, prescription drug, cosmetic, or medical device, or to report an adverse reaction to any of these products, call the Food and Drug Administration's Consumer Affairs Information Line Because they have a painful, incurable condition, people with arthritis are among the prime targets for fraud and spend nearly a billion dollars annually on unproved remedies, largely diets and supplements. Some patients' favorable experiences with a fraudulent product may be due more to a remission in their disease or from earlier or concurrent use of approved medical treatments, rather than use of the fraudulent product itself. A claim describing the relationship between a nutrient or dietary ingredient and a disease, such as arthritis, cannot be made on the label or in labeling of a food or dietary supplement unless the claim is authorized by FDA. In order for FDA to consider authorizing the use of a health claim, there must be significant agreement among qualified experts that the health claim is scientifically valid. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Health Information Center can help you get in touch with public and private groups that have information about traditional and alternative therapies for arthritis and other conditions. Your public library also may have a computer link to provide you with direct access to the National Health Information Center. Always remember to gain as much information as you can and not believe whatever advertisement is there about any product or therapy unless it is ratified by some established agency. Always consult your doctor/health practitioner before taking any product. |
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