PSA #1 Things that can kill you or rob you

[rthstewart]

I used to do this and the Skechers thing is one that bugged me the first time I saw the ads. So,

If you bought Skechers Shape Up and toning shoes, you may be entitled to a refund since the data that supported the claims wasn't adequate, supported, or reliable. 

FDA issues a warning about an unproven treatment for MS that could kill you.

The Advisory Committee on Antiviral Drugs recommended with certain caveats that the FDA approve the drug Truvada for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection.  The vote to approve recommended it for all populations, including men who have sex with men and women -- empowering a woman to prevent HIV-1 infection herself being especially important if she is in a situation where she cannot insist her partner use a condom.

Weight loss products based upon the idea that they (but actually may not) contain HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) don't work.  (This is another one that really infuriates me).

And, last but not least, Senator Leahy is demanding that FDA finalize 30 year old proposed regulations regarding sunscreens (Because FDA has been trying to update the sunscreen standards for longer than a lot of you have been alive. Really.) 

Comments

[ilysia-039.livejournal.com]

Ugh, the whole HCG thing.., it just kills me, really. I've got a job in a health food store this summer, and the number of women who come in looking, firstly, for weight-loss miracle products make me want to cry. Or scream. Or something. But the HCG diet... "here, take this supplement and eat 500 calories a day and you'll be thin and beautiful!"

Of course you're going to lose weight if you only eat 500 calories a day. You're also going to lose your menstrual cycle, sleep, and your sanity, eventually. Really, people, really?

Sorry. Rant over. Soapbox destroyed.

...

Hey there, by the way! I'm not dead!

[rthstewart.livejournal.com]

You are alive!!! Are you back in the states? Are you here for the summer? Speak to us?!! How are you????

I've handled all manner of regulated products over the years, and I'm not sure I could work in a health food store. Hint no 1: Just because it is natural does not mean it is good for you. Lead is natural; arsenic is natural. They can still kill you. Hint no 2: all those zillions of the products on the shelves? None has been approved by anyone. It's up to the company to possess substantiation for the claims and that substantiation is nearly always grossly inadequate. Up until very recently there was very little control over how they were manufactured. Sometimes, the reason why they work is because they are spiked with pharmaceuticals. Errrr I'll end my rant now.

[ilysia-039.livejournal.com]

I AM back in the States, working steadily away, baking in the heat. It's quite lovely.

And I agree with quite a lot of what you say. The store where I work, thankfully, concentrates mostly on selling local produce, whole foods, that sort of deal. The owner's also rather investing in aromatherapy, essential oils, all that jazz. The supplements, etc, we carry mostly because people expect us to (?)... but I agree. Augh, people. I weep for society sometimes.