The Federal Trade Commission and the FDA have identified the following areas as the most common for health fraud.

Arthritis. Thousands of dietary and nature "cures" have been sold for arthritis, from mussel extract and vitamin pills to copper bracelets and snake or bee venom. None work. Medical research has yet to find a cure for arthritis. Because the symptoms of this disorder can go into remission, individuals who try these unproved remedies sometimes associate the remedy with the remission.
For a free brochure about unproved remedies, call the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-283-7800, or write them at PO Box 19000, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

Cancer. A diagnosis of cancer can bring feelings of fear and hopelessness, sometimes tempting sufferers to turn to unproved remedies or clinics that promise a cure. Medical science has been able to help many individuals with cancer. Unfortunately, using a fraudulent remedy may serve only to delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about cancer, contact the American Cancer Society office listed in your yellow pages. To order free publications on cancer research and treatment, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237.

AIDS. Despite an abundance of research, there is no cure for AIDS—yet. If you have questions about AIDS remedies, check with AIDS clinical trial units located in leading hospitals throughout the country or call the FDA/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease's hot line at 1-800-TRIALS-A.

Weight loss. Medical science has had some success developing products to aid in weight loss. But with a growing number of Americans tipping the scales toward obesity, anyone peddling weight loss promises has plenty of people to whom they can market their goods. Consumers shopping for a product to help them "lose weight fast" should exercise a healthy amount of caution. The safe, time-tested method of weight loss still may be the best: the old-fashioned combination of healthy diet and regular exercise.

Baldness and wrinkles. The FDA has approved both prescription and over-the-counter products for treating baldness, and skin care products that may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Still, millions of dollars are made every year by sellers trying to convince people to buy their versions of the fountain of youth. Savvy consumers should buy only those products that have received FDA approval.