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New Consumer Health Education Center to Focus on Medicine Safety

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Health Education Center (CHEC), a new resource dedicated to improving public health through safe over-the-counter (OTC) medicine use, kicks off today with the launch of its inaugural educational program, Doctor in the House. The Doctor in House is a national campaign recognizing women as the main healthcare decision makers in the household and empowering them with information about OTC safety.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051019/NYW030 )

"Consumers have the power to help keep themselves and their families healthy when it comes to OTC medicines," says Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A., president of CHEC. "With approximately 1,000 active ingredients in more than 100,000 OTC medicines available in the United States, the need for clear, reliable information on how to responsibly use medications has never been greater."

According to research conducted by CHEC, a significant percentage of consumers can benefit from a better understanding of OTC safety:

* 1 out of 6 adults admit they take three or more pills at a single time, even if the label recommends a lower dose. * A majority (61%) are not concerned that inappropriate use of OTC medicines could result in unintended consequences. * Many consumers say they refer to the OTC Drug Facts label for information about symptoms and dosages, but have less understanding of other important label content such as possible side effects, active ingredients, drug interactions, or other warnings.

Echoing the need to educate consumers on the benefits and risks associated with over-the-counter medicines is Rebecca J. Kurth, M.D., associate professor of clinical medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, "CHEC hopes to improve the dialogue between consumers and healthcare professionals, benefiting the millions of consumers who turn to OTCs everyday." Dr. Kurth continues, "Consumers need to understand that these medications are real medicines with real benefits when used responsibly and real risks when misused. Our combined goal is to ensure consumers take their OTC medications safely and appropriately."

As CHEC launches its first campaign, it has tailored its messaging to women, who often serve as the primary healthcare decision makers in the house. Data shows that 73 percent of OTC medicines are purchased by women. CHEC is celebrating their role through its Doctor in the House campaign, an educational program designed to help women make informed decisions about OTC medicines while improving communication with healthcare professionals.

The emblem of the campaign is a modern version of the old-time doctor's bag fashioned into a contemporary handbag. These handbags are available at no charge, as supplies last, through CHEC's web site, http://www.checforbetterhealth.org/, to consumers who take a short quiz on OTC medicines. The handbag was designed by Mersedeh Nourbakhsh Cerasoli, a former consultant to companies like Kate Spade and Coach, and founder of Nour, a fashion design boutique.

"With the CHEC handbag, a modern take on one of the most trusted symbols in healthcare, we hope to encourage women to learn more about OTC medicine safety and motivate them, with the help of their healthcare professionals, to make informed decisions when taking these drugs or administering them to their families," says Dr. Suydam.

In addition to the handbag, consumers will receive a complimentary copy of "Over-the-Counter Medicines: Keeping You and Your Family Healthy," a handy guide packed with information, including how to read the OTC Drug Facts medicine label, helpful tips for administering medicines to children, tips for pregnant and nursing women, the importance of talking to healthcare professionals, as well as guidelines for caring for an aging relative who may be taking multiple medications. The guide was developed by CHEC and the National Women's Health Resource Center.

The Doctor in the House campaign marks the first in a series of consumer education programs for CHEC. To learn more about the campaign or to download educational materials from CHEC, visit http://www.checforbetterhealth.org/.

About CHEC

The Consumer Health Education Center (CHEC) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Americans through appropriate, safe, and effective over-the-counter medicine use. CHEC was launched in 2005 as the consumer education arm of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a member-based organization representing the leading manufacturers and distributors of OTC medicines and nutritional supplements in the United States. CHEC is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051019/NYW030AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

The Consumer Health Education Center

CONTACT: Elizabeth Assey of The Consumer Health Education Center,+1-202-429-3520, EAssey@CHECforbetterhealth.org

Web site: http://www.checforbetterhealth.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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