Monthly Archives: May 2014

Can 2 hrs/day on your cell phone give you cancer?

cellExperts around the world are using the Precautionary Principle when it comes to electromagnetic radiation (EMF) from cell phones, microwave ovens, Wi-Fi, smart meters. In the EU governments are seeing bans on Wi-Fi in schools as are the teacher’s union in Ontario, Canada.  Even if no conclusive proof is forthcoming, when the possibility exists based on experiential evidence, they are erring on the side of caution.

 

An expert on this short video  claims that EMF is cumulative and only 1690 hours of holding a cell phone next to your head doubles your chances of getting glioma brain tumors – that’s only about 2 hours per day for 2 years! Click Here. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that cell phone radiation changed brain chemistry by raising glucose levels. The World Health Organization added radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to a long list of “possibly carcinogenic” agents; other such agents are coconut oil, DDT, gasoline exhaust, lead, talcum powder, titanium dioxide, and some types of HIV and HPV viruses. Aside from increased risk of brain cancer, cellphone use has also been tied to developmental problems in kids, ringing in the ears, bone loss, concentration problems, and unsightly rashes.

 

Texting is obviously less invasive on your head, but many warnings about keeping the cell phone in your pocket while on,  can increase risk of cancer in those areas (testicular, breast). Therefore, it seems to reason that holding a phone while texting can affect the hand and wrist as well. Although my research doesn’t find much that addresses holding the phone, the studies show proximity of an organ to the “live” phone radiation to be a problem so we just extrapolate what could be happening to your wrist (like carpal tunnel syndrome from repeated mouse usage). We can suggest if you text at least put the phone down on a hard surface and don’t hold it as a best “precautionary” method.

 

Many users are totally unaware that their favorite communication device could be a health hazard. We hope that this information reaches them so they can take a look, do some research and make their own decision about reducing the risk. There are also some protection devices you can put on your phone to help mitigate the radiation. See this information page: Click Here

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Airplanes as petri dishes

IMG_20140304_132729Summer is vacation time. If you travel by air you know you are sharing space with lots of germs. When others cough or sneeze those happy germs get circulated around the cabin several times before they exit. Airplanes are kept dry because of the pressurization system and this helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. However, the influenza virus is most infectious at this temperature and humidity level.

 

Not only airborne germs, but those on arm rests, windows and those convenient seat pockets can find their way to your insides. These surfaces are not disinfected between flights so it is up to you to carry a “wipe” and protect yourself. Those tiny lavatories are also a happy home for germs. Even though they are supposed to disinfect them between flights, 50 folks using the lav during the flight can quickly exacerbate the germ environment – especially those that sit on handles waiting for your touch.

 

To help protect you from airborne germs we advise carrying a personal air purifier that can zap germs around you before they enter your nose. The one we use is a Chi-Ionizer. And to boost your immune system check out a good antibacterial herbal throat spray, something to counter the critters in your nose like   X-Clear and an immune booster. We like the Del-Immune V which is  a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (DV strain). Studies have shown that peptides found in lactobacillus cells are pivotal for getting the immune system going in a rapid manner.  These are just suggestions but are what we have found to be effective so we recommend them.

 

Another big consideration, is change your travel plans when you are sick. It’s not fair to other passengers and it can compound your illness because you are more susceptible to new pathogens when your immune system is compromised. If you have allergies or congestion it can result in a painful ear during descent as your eustachian tubes will have difficulty clearing. You may consider taking a natural or over-the-counter decongestant before going to the airport.  If you keep these recommendations in mind you should be able to enjoy your trip.