A MIRACLE CURE

More and more people are turning away from their doctors and instead, going to individuals who have no medical training and who sell unproven treatments. They go to quacks to get everything from treatments for colds to cures for cancer. And they are putting themselves in dangerous situations.

Many people don't realize how unsafe it is to use unproven treatments. During the time the person is using the product, his or her illness may be getting worse. This can even cause the person to die.

So why do people trust quacks? People want the "miracle cure". They want the product that will solve their problem quickly, easily, and completely. A patient may be so afraid of pain, or even of dying, that he or she will try anything. The quack knows this and offers an easy solution at a very high price.

Quacks usually sell products and treatments for illnesses that generally have no proven cure.

How can you recognize a quack? Sometimes it's easy because he or she offers something we know is possible. These people lie, saying that their product was made because of a recent scientific discovery. Many quacks will say their product is good for many different illnesses, not just for one thing. They usually like to offer money-back guarantees if their treatment doesn't work. Unfortunately, the guarantee is often also a lie. Finally, clinic will often be in another country.

Quacks try to sell their products in similar ways. They will invite you to read testimonials, letters written by satisfied customers. These frauds will also promise quick, exciting cures. Often they say the product is made in a secret way or with something secret in it which can only be bought from a particular company.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. In fact, quacks ....

 a) hazard people's lives                                  b) cut people's pains

c) boost people's immune system                    d) help people heal

2. It may be inferred from the passage that people ....

 a) should scorn doctors' methods                 

 b) may find some relief using unproven treatments

 c) should attend shamen

 d) receive better quality of care at hospitals

3. The last thing many people are thinking about is ....

 a) price of treatment

  b) safety

c) level of proficiency of a person they turn to

 d) side effects

4. According to the text, quacks' products may ....

 a) lower the risk of hereditable diseases

 b) make treatment less traumatic for patients

 c) lead to decline

 d) help protect against fatal diseases

5. A lot of people have confidence in quacks because ....

a) sticking with doctors may put health at risk

 b) they can't cope with their problems

c) nontraditional approach to health care is harmless

d) quacks cause miracles

6. When you're ill, the best way to recover is to ....

 a) stop taking pills                                          b) disrupt your daily routine

 c) turn to quacks                                d) consult a doctor

7. Quacks do not....

a) offer "panacea"                               b) disappoint people's hopes

c) give money-back guarantees           d) satisfy customers