Thinking of trying something new?

We are bombarded with media messages on new products, new diets, new treatments, new drugs, new remedies, etc. It's easy to get caught up in these advertisements, especially when something seems like a "magic bullet" and can seem to easily improve our health.

When considering trying something new, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Where did the information come from? Did it come from a paid advertisement? Sometimes companies are trying to promote their own products. Information from a non-profit organization, university, or state Extension service are usually un-bias, research-based, and reliable. Information from hospitals is usually un-bias, but sometimes physicians may get paid for endorsements for certain products. Check the website address for .gov, .org, or .edu to determine if the information can be trusted.
• Were the people who improved similar to you? Were they similar in age, sex, lifestyle, race, or ethnicity?
• Read the fine print. Many times the words "results not typical" will accompany an advertisement.
• Can you afford it? If the new product or treatment doesn't work, can you afford the loss? Can you afford any extra time this treatment or product may require?
• Does the product or treatment promise you results without physical activity or to leave out entire food groups? We know that healthy eating, eating a variety of foods, and physical activity are the foundation for good health. Anything that promises better health but leaves out these things is something to be wary of.
• Talk with your physician and/or pharmacist if the new product is herbal. Herbal remedies may tout that they are "natural" but that doesn't mean it won't interfere with prescriptions. "Natural" just means that it comes from a plant or animal, but that doesn't have anything to do with safety.
• Could it hurt you? It doesn't hurt to read about side effects, but don't get so caught up that you freak yourself out. It's good to be aware of any harmful effects.
• Talk to others. Ask your friends or family members for advice.
• Listen to your gut. If your gut feeling is that this is too good to be true, it probably is.