Beware of the Snake Oil! | Praise Podcast - Christian Podcasting Network

The health and wellness industry is quite lucrative. Tune in for three tips to help spot scams.

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00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 The health and wellness industry is quite lucrative.

00:00:04 --> 00:00:07 Tune in for three tips to help avoid scams.

00:00:10 --> 00:00:19 Hello and welcome to MoMo634, the daily podcast chock-full of faith-filled inspiration and motivation.

00:00:20 --> 00:00:24 MoMo634, motivational moments just for today.

00:00:42 --> 00:00:54 A 2022 article from the Global Wellness Institute assesses the value of the health and wellness industry at $5.6 trillion.

00:00:56 --> 00:01:08 Exercise equipment, weight loss, diet, beauty products, spas, nutrition, elective procedures, coaching and training, and the list goes on.

00:01:09 --> 00:01:13 That includes fads, meds, treatments, etc.

00:01:14 --> 00:01:18 With so much out there, how do you know what's legitimate and what's not?

00:01:19 --> 00:01:25 Especially in the mental health community when so many are desperate for hope and a restoration of health.

00:01:26 --> 00:01:33 But with all the advances in new therapies and medical treatments come the scammers and snake oil salesmen.

00:01:34 --> 00:01:41 If you've listened in for any length of time, you know my favorite childhood television show was The Brady Bunch.

00:01:41 --> 00:01:49 One iconic episode had Greg trying to pawn off an automotive lemon he was duped into buying onto a friend.

00:01:50 --> 00:01:55 Peter told his dad Greg said he was really gonna caveat his erupter.

00:01:56 --> 00:02:02 Mike recognized the malapropism and said, I think he meant caveat his emptor.

00:02:02 --> 00:02:05 In other words, caveat emptor.

00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 Let the buyer beware.

00:02:08 --> 00:02:14 We've heard the expression, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

00:02:15 --> 00:02:22 People are scammed and conned every day, and the methods used are getting more and more sophisticated.

00:02:23 --> 00:02:24 Here are some tips.

00:02:25 --> 00:02:40 Number one, look into extraordinary claims and have them independently verified by a trusted source like your care provider or reputable organization like the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Reviews.

00:02:41 --> 00:02:46 2.

00:02:42 --> 00:02:46 See how long the treatment, medication, or procedure has been around.

00:02:47 --> 00:02:54 Abstracts of clinical studies can be found online on some of the medical websites, journals, or drug databases.

00:02:56 --> 00:02:59 Has it been thoroughly vetted or tested by an industry standard?

00:03:00 --> 00:03:09 I know for the essential oils I use, the most reputable companies can provide the CGMS reports that list the chemical breakdown and purity.

00:03:09 --> 00:03:14 We discussed this in depth in the episode, Don't Know Much About Science Books.

00:03:15 --> 00:03:22 Individuals, like therapists, can be found by their board certifications or other licensing or training entity.

00:03:23 --> 00:03:34 Crowdsourced sites and reviews can sometimes be manipulated or outright purchased, so it's important to do your research and check with reputable sites.

00:03:35 --> 00:03:44 Proverbs 11 1 says, Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is His delight.

00:03:45 --> 00:03:50 In fact, the Bible talks a lot about defrauding, false scales, and usury.

00:03:51 --> 00:03:56 Not everything is bad or a scam, but it pays to do your due diligence.

00:03:58 --> 00:04:05 Our meme for today says, a little research can save a lot of heartache and your piggy bank too.

00:04:07 --> 00:04:10 What tips would you share for spotting or avoiding scams?

00:04:11 --> 00:04:12 Chime in below.

00:04:12 --> 00:04:18 Also, be sure to fill out the reader survey linked in your Substack email header with my thanks.

00:04:22 --> 00:04:27 Thanks for listening to MoMo634, Motivational Moments, just for today.

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