Christmas Shopping, Consumers and Options

  Pain and expectations go together.

While in a mall outside of Philadelphia this last weekend, I dissected "The Power to Heal."

First, this banner suggests that back pain is disabling and non-relenting.  Thank you SOO much for that contribution to fear and anxiety, Abington Memorial Hospital.

Second, seeing a surgeon will be the solution.  Uh, huh... thanks for creating an expectation that those in back pain just have to see a surgeon.  Sure, let's keep the cost of care soaring.

Third, surgery provides quick results.  Evidence doesn't suggest this, but kudos for planting that seed to enhance the placebo aspect of surgery.

This wasn't the only banner suggesting surgeons or surgery as an option for various conditions.

The shoppers at Plymouth Meeting Mall need to have other options and more realistic expectations.

Can 2009 introduce a different expectation... the Best First Choice?

Photo by Selena

Selena