Entrepreneurs, charlatans and misguided zealots are promoting numerous stress reduction devices, supplements, products and programs that make extravagant claims. The vast majority are supported only by anecdotal reports and paid testimonials from celebrities and others. Very often, as in the case of supplements that promise weight loss by reducing stress, scholarly articles from prestigious journals are cited to provide a patina of scientific credibility. However, these are totally irrelevant and have nothing to do with the product, which is confusing to consumers. This is in contrast to others that have proven benefits based on double blind clinical trials and/or a plausible rationale for their mechanisms of action.
Because of the plethora of worthless products, legitimate ones are apt to be painted with the same brush so that the baby is thrown out with the bath water. The American Institute Of Stress has served as an ombudsman in this murky area for three decades, and is proud to announce the following as recipients of our 2007 Award For Distinction and Innovation.