Health Fraud Crusader, Wind Expert Eulogy, and Other Profiles

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Wind expert Martin Jopp was one of the nation's most respected authorities on wind energy when he died in July 1980.
Wind expert Martin Jopp was one of the nation's most respected authorities on wind energy when he died in July 1980.
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Washington state boat builder Bob Coe began making watercraft from natural wood in the late 1970s.
Washington state boat builder Bob Coe began making watercraft from natural wood in the late 1970s.

The following profiles celebrate little-known MOTHER EARTH NEWS-type folks from all over.

Dr. Stephen Barrett: Health Fraud Crusader

In 1989 Allentown, Pennsylvania psychiatrist Stephen Barrett formed the Lehigh Valley Committee Against Health Fraud, Inc…. a non-profit organization that has exposed and publicized countless swindles. “Very few people realize how often or how skillfully they’re being cheated,” says Dr. Barrett. “My guess is that Americans are wasting $10 billion a year on questionable health practices.”

According to Barrett–who has edited a book called The Health Robbers: How to Protect Your Money and Your Life ($12.95, George F. Stickley Co.) and co-authored a volume entitled Consumer Health: A Guide to Intelligent Decisions ($12.95, C.V. Mosby Co.)–some of the more common frauds have included sex aids, hair analyses, fad diets, and spot reducers. The way to eliminate such deception, stresses the doctor, is to increase public awareness of the problem and solicit support for stricter healthcare laws. — Maury M. Breecher.

Martin Jopp: Wind Expert Eulogy

  • Published on Mar 1, 1981
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