Students beware of Internet health scams

Using the Web to find reliable and useful health information has many benefits. The information is available 24/7, it can help you communicate with your medical provider and it is obtained anonymously, thereby avoiding embarrassment or disclosure. \nSo how can students make sure they are obtaining reliable and useful health information on the Web? How can students keep themselves from getting hooked into buying unproven supplements, dangerous dieting aids or unfulfilled promises of sexual potency?\nHere are some claims to watch for from the Federal Drug Administration to help consumers avoid falling prey to a worthless health scam, or dangerous product:\n• One product does it all -- This is a product that claims to cure a range of unconnected illnesses and conditions such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes and chronic fatigue.\n• Personal testimony -- As you know, anyone can place any personal testimony on the Web. Placing it on the Web does not make it true. \n• Quick fixes -- This is certainly a hook for many weight loss products and plans …\n• Natural -- Natural suggests that the product is safer than conventional treatments. Any product, synthetic or natural, that is potent enough to work like a drug is potent enough to cause side effects.\n• Satisfaction guaranteed -- Getting your money back may not be as easy as advertised. Also, the FDA only investigates a product when there have been complaints and deaths from a product. \n• Promise of easy and rapid weight loss -- For most people, weight loss only occurs with the reduction of calories and an increase in exercise. This formula is not glamorous or expensive and is certainly not rapid. \nA product, plan or health promotion that seems too good to be true probably is. Students should consider the author of the Web site: Is it an individual, a university, a corporation, a governmental agency? What is the purpose of this site: to educate, entertain or sell? Is the site timely? Is the site structure useful?\nColumbia University has been providing health education information to college students on www.goaskalice.com for many years. Judith Steinhart, senior health educator and one of the authors of Alice!, will share questions received by Alice!, focusing on what we've learned and have yet to learn about women's sexualities. \nThis presentation is intended to introduce students to a great site for comprehensive health information targeted to college students. The free program is at 7:30 p.m on Monday at Whittenberger Auditorium.