Using the Internet Safely For Seniors

➟ Promotions that use words like scientific break-

through, miraculous cure, secret ingredient,and

ancient remedy.(See Figure 14-7.)

➟ Text that uses impressive-sounding terms like hunger

stimulation pointand thermogenesisfor a weight-loss

product. These terms are sometimes plucked out of

scientific journals, but they may have nothing to do

with the disease or condition you have — let alone

legitimize the cure you’re being peddled.

➟ Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials

by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results.

“After eating a teaspoon of this product each day, my

pain is completely gone.” Most are made up, and oth-

ers are hearsay. Some patients’ recoveries may be due

to a remission of the disease from previous or concur-

rent treatments.

➟ Limited availability and advance payment require-

ments. Hurry! This offer will not last,for example.

Figure 14-7

Beware of these types of “treatments”

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Chapter 14: Healthcare That Makes You Feel Better