Let’s face it, we all rely on electricity as part of our everyday lives. Our world relies on fast-speed communication, digital connectivity and appliances that we can no longer live without. But what effect are all of these things having on our health?
Whenever electricity flows, both electric and magnetic fields exist close by. Electric fields arise from electric charges and are shielded by common materials, such as wood and metal. Since the late 1970s, questions have been raised about the effects these extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMF) have on our health and many opinions have been voiced in the news and on the web, although no clear guidelines or firm evidence has been released….as yet.
Whether you believe the theories about mobile phones and other devices being carcinogenic to humans, or not, there is little doubt that minimising our personal exposure to EMFs can only be a good thing.
We are not saying cut yourself off from all electronic devices and live in a cave for the rest of your life. What we are saying is that just a few small changes to your lifestyle could have a huge impact on the health of you and your family both now and in the future….
Be mindful of your phone usage
We use our phone to maintain our social lives, check our bank accounts, call our parents, tweet a reaction to a news story and book our next yoga lesson. Therefore, getting rid of our mobiles completely is just out of the question. What we can do, however, is be mindful about how and when we use our phone to reduce the number of EMFs entering our bodies.
One suggestion is to use a headset, so that you are never holding the phone directly up to your head. Even the mainstream manufacturers recommend holding the device at least 1-2 inches away from your head – so there must be a reason for this?
Similarly, it is not recommended to carry your mobile around close to your body – in a pocket or similar. There have been studies linking mobile phones to a reduction in male sperm count and even testicular cancer. Pop your phone in your handbag, laptop case or backpack for a much safer approach, meaning that the phone is not directly getting contact to your body for long periods.
Another little-known fact is that mobile devices give out more radio frequencies when the signal is low or if you are in a fast-moving vehicle (train, car, bus), so avoid using your phone in these instances to be less exposed to their emissions.
Switch off each night
Powering down your devices each night can dramatically reduce the exposure of EMFs to you and your family. Once you get into a pattern of patrolling the house, switching off appliances at the mains, you will soon get into the habit – and this should also mean you could save a huge chunk on your utility bills each month, too.
It’s doubtful you will need your Wi-Fi during the night either, so switch off your connection each night before bed and turn it on again the next day, when needed.
Studies have also shown that turning off the Wi-Fi before bed could also result in a much-improved length and quality of sleep.
Ditch your microwave
We get it, microwaves are handy for warming up last night’s pizza, heating your soup in the office and instantly preparing your kid’s warm milk before bed. But, do you ever stop to think how the appliance is heating up your food and drink so quickly? Nah, probably best not to think about it, isn’t it?!
Although many people don’t agree, others feel strongly that the currents from microwaves zap food of their nutrients and vitamins, which are essential to our healthy lives. There is also the argument that heating foods wrapped in plastic containers create carcinogens, which are then ingested into your body alongside your food – not so nice.
It’s easy to replace your microwave with other, healthier ways to prepare food. Using a conventional oven or re-heating on the hob are simple ways to get around the job – it might take a few minutes longer, but surely, it’s worth it? Alternatively, eating more raw foods could be another option, and one which will bring along a whole host of new health benefits for you and your family too.