How do you recognize quackery?

Here are some tips:

• Be wary if immediate, effortless or guaranteed results are promised.

• Look for telltale words and phrases such as "breakthrough," "miracle," "secret remedy," "exclusive," and "clinical studies prove that..."

• Beware of promotions for a single product claimed to be effective for a wide variety of ailments.

• Don't forget that, unlike scientists and health professionals, quacks do not subject their products to the scrutiny of scientific research. The quack simply thrusts a product onto the market in order to get your money.

• Be cautious of money-back guarantees, for a guarantee is only as good as the company that backs it.

• If it sounds too good to be true--it probably is.

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