Advertising and the Placebo Effect

We know direct-to-patient advertising increases sales of medications. Now researchers have found this method of advertising also enhances the physiological effect of non-drowsy antihistamines. In a randomized clinical trial, subject's physiological response to objectively measured parameters was improved as a result of watching a movie with timed advertisements for a specific brand. PositiveTip: The placebo…

Australia Requires Removal of Colors and Logos from Cigarette Packs

Australia is a world leader in the battle against smoking. The government there has announced plans to require cigarette manufacturers to remove all branding colors and logos from cigarette packs, beginning July, 2012.The Australian government has also announced an immediate 25% hike in the cigarette tax, meaning that a pack of 30 cigarettes will now…

Makers of Sugar-laden Cereals Target Kids

Preschoolers in America annually see an average of 642 cereal ads targeted directly at them--a majority of those for sugar-laden brands. Sadly, the least healthy cereals are the ones advertised most to children. Is it any wonder then that our children clamor to start the day with sugary cereals, laying the foundation for future obesity,…