Consumer health refers to the potential or actual impact upon the consumer, individually or collectively, of any substances, devices, services, or systems that are offered for the supposed purpose of protecting, preserving, or restoring physical or mental health. This book is an effort to help the consumer to choose intelligently in spending for health items and health assistance. The text is divided into twelve chapters, dealing with (1) the caveat emptor-caveat vendor issue; (2) the psycho-social factors in consumer health; (3) healing philosophies other than orthodox medicine; (4) general medical care; (5) hospitals, nursing homes, and free clinics; (6) health insurance; (7) arthritis, cancer, cosmetics and skin products; (8) over-the-counter and prescription drug products; (9) devices used in medical treatment; (10) food faddism and weight control; (11) health care economics; and (12) consumer protection laws, agencies, and organizations. (MB)