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"It's teeny!": the World of Healthcare

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Let's discuss commercials for hearing aids, medical alert buttons, weight-loss aids, prescription drugs (and the resulting class action lawsuits), etc.

 

Being a self-employed designer who takes care of aging parents, I see a LOT of health-related commercials during the day. The one that inspired the topic title is for Lyric, the "teeny" hearing aid that you lease, rather than buy.

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Eliot
Eliot

As someone whose mom died of lung cancer, I’d like to offer up a hearty “fuck you” to Bristol-Meyers Squibb and the agency who created those dreadful Opdivo (sp?) ads taunting cancer patients with “a

debbie311
debbie311

I'm probably not the first person to complain about this, but the pharmaceutical ads really bug me.  I remember growing up back in the stone age and there would be commercials for Bayer aspirin, Tylen

Ohiopirate02
Ohiopirate02

I used to work in pharmacy and worked with a lot of pharmacists over the years who had decades of experience.  They would share stories as to why warnings like "do not take if you are allergic" are ne

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janie jones

janie jones

Does 'Low T' count as a health condition? I used to see ads about that all the time, but not so much anymore.

Can I just say that the notion of "low T" really pissed me off until I heard a commercial talking about "low testosterone" and it didn't bother me at all.  Apparently it's just the abbreviation that pisses me off.

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OSM Mom

OSM Mom

Until I saw the ads for it, I never heard of pelvic mesh or transvaginal mesh. And I don't want to think about why I would need either of those nor about complications from surgery involving the going badly. Get that shit off my TV.

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RubyWoo72

RubyWoo72

(edited)

I can't remember the company, but there's a series of commercials in which heavy people are talking to their thinner selves. The Befores talking to the Afters. And it's weird, because clearly they've had to film a segment, pretending to talk to themselves. I'm going to look it up on YouTube...

Found it. It's Medifast. And it's awkward.

Edited by RubyWoo72
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peggy06

peggy06

The ones for Cialis and suchlike are so silly. There's one that has a glaring non-sequitur that grates on me every single time. Something along the lines of "You're so proud of her - but sometimes your ED gets in the way." It's like they have to pussyfoot around the subject so much that they end up using awkward scripts and unintentionally funny imagery.

 

If you want to see medical ads, watch the Game Show Network. Must skew to an older crowd, based on the preponderance of ads for medicines, medical devices, healthcare products, and throw some reverse mortgages into the mix as well.

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Cobalt Stargazer

Cobalt Stargazer

Can I just say that the notion of "low T" really pissed me off until I heard a commercial talking about "low testosterone" and it didn't bother me at all.  Apparently it's just the abbreviation that pisses me off.

 

You may absolutely say that. I used to see the ads so often, I got paranoid about it. Like somebody was trying to tell me something they shouldn't have known. *adjusts tinfoil hat*

Until I saw the ads for it, I never heard of pelvic mesh or transvaginal mesh. And I don't want to think about why I would need either of those nor about complications from surgery involving the going badly. Get that shit off my TV.

I always wonder when the hell it became a problem for those kind of things to be used, because I had never heard of them either. Shit that can kill you should probably be taken off the market if it's actually become a 'thing' now.

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Aquarius

Aquarius

I still don't understand why sitting in separate bathtubs is supposed to be erotic.

 

Someone explained this to me recently.  Cialis makes him so big, there's no room in the tub for her!  Hee.

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Aquarius

Aquarius

Post T Vac! "Why take the best part of your life out of your life, when you can have life with Post T Vac?" Yeah, I watch too much late-night TV.

 

Wow.  They're actually marketing that Swedish-made penis enlarger from "Austen Powers International Man of Mystery"? 

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bref

bref

Post T Vac! "Why take the best part of your life out of your life, when you can have life with Post T Vac?" Yeah, I watch too much late-night TV.

 

That guy always makes me giggle. He's adorable! :-)

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merylinkid

merylinkid

Hobby Lobby is a crafts store.   They sell fabric, puzzles, home decor items, etc.    However, they also believe they are doctors and can make their employees health decisions for them based on the owners of the companies religious beliefs.

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Eliot

Eliot

Can I just say that the notion of "low T" really pissed me off until I heard a commercial talking about "low testosterone" and it didn't bother me at all.  Apparently it's just the abbreviation that pisses me off.

 

"Low T," "ED," whatever. I hate those abbreviations too because they're so OBVIOUSLY trying to make these conditions sound cool, so as to not damage the fragile self esteem of the middle-aged guys who can't get it up anymore.

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Actionmage

Actionmage

When I first watched the ad for that new non-hormonal menopause drug, the list of side-effects ( which I understand is a thing the companies have to do, per FCCFDA laws) made me realize that I didn't care how non-hormonal it was. Not using it.

 

Aaand I just found this from the FDA's announcement of the damn stuff: "The mechanism by which Brisdelle reduces hot flashes is unknown."  As well as the common side effects are headache, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting.   Man, I'll take ice baths. They're easier, right? ::really doesn't know::

 

FDA Press Announcement:

http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm359030.htm

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smittykins

smittykins

(edited)

Post T Vac! "Why take the best part of your life out of your life, when you can have life with Post T Vac?" Yeah, I watch too much late-night TV.

Silly me, thinking that sex was only *one part* of a successful relationship...

 

ETA:  And the "If you have a brain in your head..." line.  As opposed to the other head?[/12]

Edited by smittykins
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GreyBunny

GreyBunny

(edited)

The Gold Bond commercial with Shaquille O'Neal is oddly charming.  I can't help but smile whenever it comes on.  I might even chair dance a little.  

On the other hand the music for the Osphena commercial creeps me out.  It's like "dirty old man watching teen porn" type music.  I have to hit the mute button when it comes on.

Edited by GreyBunny
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RealityGal

RealityGal

I think all network news shows are skewed to the Medicare folks.  Same with Jeopardy! & Wheel of Fortune. 

 

I still don't understand why sitting in separate bathtubs is supposed to be erotic.

Ewww, that commercial is almost the worst, until I saw this gem

 

 

I mean where do I begin

 

1. I have no problem with older people having sex, I hope to have sex for a long, long time, but I don't want to think about people my parents age (and above!) having sex, because then I have to admit that my parents might have sex, and I'm not entirely ready to admit to that, since I'm of the opinion that I was delivered to my parents by a Stork named Storkie.

 

2. Why is he poking her on that tire swing?  How is that supposed to get her hot?  Is he doing this in the 4 minutes he has post pump before he gets "ready?"

 

3. Do people really slow dance in their kitchen?

 

4. Creepy, real man testimonials....ack!

 

5. Medicare AND major insurance cover penis pumps, but people can't get their cancer treatments paid for.  I guess the AARP is a strong lobby.

 

6. Why do you need to be ready in 4 minutes?  Most of these men look like they are retired, why does it need to happen so fast?

 

7. It's nice to know you can return it....less the shipping and handling.  I surely hope they aren't refurbishing them to sell at a discount.

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potatoradio

potatoradio

 

"Low T," "ED," whatever. I hate those abbreviations too because they're so OBVIOUSLY trying to make these conditions sound cool, so as to not damage the fragile self esteem of the middle-aged guys who can't get it up anymore.

 

It's really frickin' annoying. Plus, I hear "ED" and, if I'm not watching, I have a moment of confusion and wonder what drug they're peddling for eating disorders. Also, if you're old enough to know what testosterone is, you can say the whole word. Calling it "T" does not make it more manly. I remember wanting to hit my teevee when one of the characters on "The L Word" kept talking about, "taking some T" or" yeah...I'm going on T soon." Ye gads, shut UP with that. She was a horrible actress, but still...

 

I miss CTV and Corner Gas in general, but I really miss seeing the Extendz commercials that used to air on that show. For the cost of a postage stamp...re-GARD-less of age...guaranteed to make.you.larger.

 

It's good when both a show and its commercials make me laugh that hard.

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Cobalt Stargazer

Cobalt Stargazer

I miss CTV and Corner Gas in general, but I really miss seeing the Extendz commercials that used to air on that show. For the cost of a postage stamp...re-GARD-less of age...guaranteed to make.you.larger.

 

It's good when both a show and its commercials make me laugh that hard.

Is that a play on words, @potatoradio?

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potatoradio

potatoradio

 

I miss CTV and Corner Gas in general, but I really miss seeing the Extendz commercials that used to air on that show. For the cost of a postage stamp...re-GARD-less of age...guaranteed to make.you.larger.

    

    It's good when both a show and its commercials make me laugh that hard.

Is that a play on words, potatoradio?

You have no idea how hard it is to admit that the word play was completely coincidental and a shining example of the power of the unconscious mind.

 

The last sentence, though, is a completely intentional word play, now that I'm more awake.

 

Thanks for the laugh!

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Actionmage

Actionmage

I am hating Marie Osmond's "Glam-ma!" ad.

Not only wasn't she ready to be a grandma "at my age?! ::laughs::", but now that she has a grandson, she wants to be around for him as long as possible. Unfortunately, this is a NutriSystem ad, not an "accept your aging self" PSA. It is yet another ad of the Scare The Fatties genre. Folks who are "overweight" don't care enough about their potential grandchildren because Fat= Death!

So many assumptions:

1) All overweight people are automatically unhealthy, a chestnut for weight loss (http://lovelivegrow.com/21-things-to-stop-saying-unless-you-hate-fat-people/)

2)All overweight people have children

3)All overweight people have children that want to procreate, thereby making the target "fatties" potential grandparents just like Marie!

4)Anyone wants to actually be called Glam-ma (actual spelling of dumbass, made-up word.) Maybe ironically, between other adults. By young people related to me by blood or adoption? I think the group would be small.

5)Healthy and glamorous ( the glam in Glam-ma) only looks one way.

All you have to do to live however long your grandchild(ren) need is to pay someone to cook for you and deliver it to your house as you pay for the privilege!  This is not to knock grandkids (I have one). It is being pissed off at the Weight Loss Industry depending on the majority of folks being unable to successfully starve themselves on a consistent basis. Then the target demo can try yet another horsie on the diet merry-go-round. 

 

The industry then tries to scare folks, usually not the actually unhealthy and/or clinically obese due to them already being aware of their situation. Having a celebrity reaffirm her commitment to not being fifty pounds overweight again because she now has a grandson and a kewl nickname just shows how not about everyone being and staying healthy that company is . For those who had success with NutriSystem, I honestly congratulate you and salute your efforts. I just think that the ads are insulting in various ways.

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RealityGal

RealityGal

I am hating Marie Osmond's "Glam-ma!" ad.

Not only wasn't she ready to be a grandma "at my age?! ::laughs::", but now that she has a grandson, she wants to be around for him as long as possible. Unfortunately, this is a NutriSystem ad, not an "accept your aging self" PSA. It is yet another ad of the Scare The Fatties genre. Folks who are "overweight" don't care enough about their potential grandchildren because Fat= Death!

So many assumptions:

1) All overweight people are automatically unhealthy, a chestnut for weight loss (http://lovelivegrow.com/21-things-to-stop-saying-unless-you-hate-fat-people/)

2)All overweight people have children

3)All overweight people have children that want to procreate, thereby making the target "fatties" potential grandparents just like Marie!

4)Anyone wants to actually be called Glam-ma (actual spelling of dumbass, made-up word.) Maybe ironically, between other adults. By young people related to me by blood or adoption? I think the group would be small.

5)Healthy and glamorous ( the glam in Glam-ma) only looks one way.

All you have to do to live however long your grandchild(ren) need is to pay someone to cook for you and deliver it to your house as you pay for the privilege!  This is not to knock grandkids (I have one). It is being pissed off at the Weight Loss Industry depending on the majority of folks being unable to successfully starve themselves on a consistent basis. Then the target demo can try yet another horsie on the diet merry-go-round. 

 

The industry then tries to scare folks, usually not the actually unhealthy and/or clinically obese due to them already being aware of their situation. Having a celebrity reaffirm her commitment to not being fifty pounds overweight again because she now has a grandson and a kewl nickname just shows how not about everyone being and staying healthy that company is . For those who had success with NutriSystem, I honestly congratulate you and salute your efforts. I just think that the ads are insulting in various ways.

 

I think thats a fair POV.  But might I add "Glamma" is one of the most ridiculous terms ever.

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St. Claire

St. Claire

For those who had success with NutriSystem, I honestly congratulate you and salute your efforts. I just think that the ads are insulting in various ways.

 

I honestly cannot think of any weight loss program ads that are not fairly insulting. I have been using Weight Watchers for years and I love it, but I hope that no one uses just the commercials to gauge the worth of the program. 

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friendperidot

friendperidot

So many complaints about health care ads in general, also watch too much late night tv, but it's all the ads for something or other that are geared specifically toward Medicare recipients get on my nerves. Then there's the ads for dental care, I was actually paying attention during Law & Order and the ad said it's just like insurance your employer pays for except you buy it for yourself. Pretty much all health insurance is just like your employer pays for except you buy it yourself.

 

And...the ads for PBA - the first several times I saw those I thought they were spoof ads. Laughing and crying inappropriately - don't call them crazy, call it what it really is. I guess once you put a name to it, that's the cure, I'm not sure I've heard what the solution for it is other than giving it a name. But then again, maybe I don't pay close enough attention.

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topanga

topanga

 

And...the ads for PBA - the first several times I saw those I thought they were spoof ads. Laughing and crying inappropriately - don't call them crazy, call it what it really is. I guess once you put a name to it, that's the cure, I'm not sure I've heard what the solution for it is other than giving it a name. But then again, maybe I don't pay close enough attention.

Oh, this commercial. Last week my mother told me that she had PBA, and I had no idea what she was talking about. She cries when she hears sad songs. That's it. No hysterical laughter or inappropriate crying. I finally saw the commercial this week. I tell you, people love putting a label on things.

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Eliot

Eliot

There's a commercial for some bladder control medicine (can't remember the name) that has a little animated bladder leading a woman around all over town. She finally gets fed up so she and the bladder go to visit a doctor to talk about this new medication. Then they go on a picnic and have a grand old time.

 

I think the little bladder is cute. He seems very committed to getting himself under control and listens intently to the doctor's advice. I'm glad he gets to enjoy the picnic.

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Portia

Portia

Oh, this commercial. Last week my mother told me that she had PBA, and I had no idea what she was talking about. She cries when she hears sad songs. That's it. No hysterical laughter or inappropriate crying. I finally saw the commercial this week. I tell you, people love putting a label on things.

Wait, so PBA means "being human"? Oh no . . . I have that, too!

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Prevailing Wind

Prevailing Wind

 

There's a commercial for some bladder control medicine (can't remember the name) that has a little animated bladder leading a woman around all over town.

Wait...a woman has a boy bladder?

 

The reading aloud of side effects is sort of meaningless for me, because most times, I have the opposite.  If it causes diarrhea, I get constipated. If it keeps you awake, I fall asleep for 3 days.  If you get warm, I get chills. The doctors don't believe me: "Well, that's not a side effect of this drug..." Yeah?  I didn't do this before I started taking the drug.  Duh.  I hate drugs.

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riley702

riley702

(edited)

Does it have long eyelashes and a bow?  

Wouldn't that itch? That's their problem! They don't really have to go; those eyelashes just itch! Or what RG just said. 

Edited by riley702
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RealityGal

RealityGal

Wouldn't that itch? That's their problem! They don't really have to go; those eyelashes just itch! Or what RG just said. 

And does the bladder use the Manga Mascara on its lashes?  Does my bladder have fashionably clumpy eyelashes?

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