Empowering or Endangering? The Impact of our Decisions on Health Products
We often rely on health products to improve our physical well-being, whether it’s vitamins and supplements or medical devices and prescription medications. But are our decisions in choosing and using these products empowering us or endangering us?
The Benefits of Empowerment
Empowerment means taking control and responsibility for our health. It means understanding our health needs and making informed choices that can positively impact our well-being. Empowerment also means taking the initiative to seek out reliable information about health products and analyzing pertinent data.
On the benefits side, a recent research found that empowered patients have better outcomes and are more satisfied with their care. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that patients who had access to their electronic health records, medication lists and test results were more likely to recognize medication errors, identify potential safety problems and report adverse events.
Downsides of Entitlement
Entitlement, on the other hand, is a dangerous mindset. It involves the belief that we deserve access to health products without considering the risks and benefits associated with them. Entitling ourselves to medication or supplements, for example, without proper research or consultation with a healthcare professional, may lead to dangerous consequences.
There are countless examples of entitlement leading to harm, such as the people who took fish antibiotics instead of seeking medical attention or the ones who took untested supplements that later proved to be harmful. There are also cases where people refused treatment recommended by healthcare professionals, claiming that they knew what was best for their body, even if it ended up worsening their condition.
The Solution: Informed Decision Making
The solution to empowering ourselves without endangering our health lies in informed decision making. It’s crucial to seek out reliable sources of information and to consult with healthcare professionals about our health needs.
The FDA provides resources such as the “Drug Facts” label and the “Medical Devices and Radiation-Emitting Products” page so that we can better understand the risks and benefits of these products. The FDA also encourages patients to report any adverse events stemming from these products so that they can investigate and take actions to protect consumers.
The Bottom Line
We should take the initiative to educate ourselves on the products we use and to rely on research-backed information rather than anecdotes or personal convictions. Empowerment and informed decision making are key to our well-being. We also should consult with healthcare professionals regarding any health-related questions so that we can make the best decisions for ourselves.
In conclusion, our decisions on health products can either empower us or endanger us. Choosing the latter will harm us, whereas the former will improve our lives. Empowerment begins with making informed decisions based on reliable information, and healthcare professionals’ advice helps us to tread more cautiously while making crucial decisions.
