Have Your Eating Habits Changed Due to Covid & Are They Good New Healthier Ones or Bad?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been ingrained in our daily lives for nearly a year now and seems to be here for a bit longer. In the midst of its impact on the lives of everyone and the health of many, the way we think and act around food and food safety continues to change.
According to the 2020 Food and Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council, as many as 85% of Americans made changes in how they prepare food as well as changes to the food they eat as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But are these changes positive or negative? Turns out, they’re a bit of both.
COVID-19 Changes Eating Habits in 2020
The survey, conducted online from April 8, to April 16, 2020, included a nationally-representative sample of 1,011 Americans between the ages of 18 and 80. According to the results, cooking more at home saw the most significant change (60%), but Americans are also snacking more (32%), washing produce more than they did before the pandemic (30%), and thinking more about food in general (27%). Consumers under the age of 35, women, and parents are the most likely to have made changes due to COVID, both in terms of less healthy and healthier choices.
Cooking at home: It makes sense that the biggest change is more Americans are cooking at home, especially considering that restaurants across the country are limited or shut down. However, consumers are torn between healthy and less healthy eating. According to the survey, 14% of Americans said they’re eating less healthy than they did before the pandemic, and approximately 22% said they’re eating healthier than usual. Overall, those who cook at home are typically healthier and consume fewer calories, less fat, less sugar, and fewer carbohydrates than those who eat out.
Another survey found that some Americans are making healthier choices, while others aren’t. Specifically, 30% of respondents are eating more protein now than before COVID, 42% are eating more veggies, and 43% are eating more fruits. On the other hand, 19% are eating less protein, 21% are eating fewer fruits, 24% are eating fewer veggies, and 47% are eating more sweets. These findings aren’t surprising; research has found that when levels of cortisol -- the body’s stress hormone -- increase, even non-stressed, healthy adults will eat more junk foods and snacks.
Snack attacks: According to the survey, approximately one-third of consumers are snacking more often now than they did before the pandemic. Fewer than 10% of respondents reported snacking less. However, snacking habits differ by age, with more than 40% of younger consumers under the age of 25 snacking more, compared to 26% of consumers over the age of 50. Parents are also snacking more to relieve coronavirus-induced stress, with 29% of adults without children under 18 snacking less, compared to 41% of adults with children. The type of snack also plays an important role as to whether these changes are positive since snacks can be healthy (like nuts and fruits) or they can be unhealthy (like donuts and Fritos).
Since early March, when Americans began to change what they were buying due to lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, national sales data shows that salty snacks have been the top food item. In fact, sales of savory and salty snacks have increased more than 15% in the last eight weeks, online snack sales have risen 44% since March 1, and cookie sales have soared 147% during the pandemic.
Health improvements: Despite the fact that sales of snacks and cookies are booming, Americans are trying to be healthier, the survey found. For instance, 43% of respondents reported that they’re following a diet in 2020, compared to 38% in 2019 and 36% in 2018. The most common diet followed is intermittent fasting, kicking last year’s top competitor -- clean eating -- down to second place. However, the survey didn’t come out and say why Americans are dieting now nor why they’re placing more of an emphasis on their weight and overall health.
One strategy that is more popular now than in decades past that is helping consumers to make healthier choices is the use of fitness trackers. The survey found that 18%, or nearly 1 in 5 Americans, are using a mobile health monitoring app or device, and 66%, or two-thirds, of those using them say it’s caused them to make healthy changes that they wouldn’t have made otherwise.
Consumers Report Concerns Over Food Safety and Preparation
Worrying about the coronavirus has also led to significant changes in how Americans view food safety. While Americans’ confidence in the country’s food supply remains virtually unchanged (68% in 2019 and 67% in 2020), food preparation and handling related to the risk of contracting COVID are now at the top of the list of food safety concerns. Approximately 24% of Americans reported COVID as the top food safety issue, while the top four concerns from 2019 -- pesticides/pesticide residues, carcinogens in food, chemicals in food, and foodborne illness -- declined.
Where consumers eat and purchase their food also influence how they feel about food safety and COVID. According to the survey, 49% of Americans are somewhat concerned about food preparation outside of their homes such as delivery or takeout. Similarly, 46% of consumers are concerned when they eat in restaurants or establishments outside of their homes. Trailing behind are individuals who worry about food safety when grocery shopping online (42%), those who shop in-store for groceries (36%), and those who prepare meals at home (30%).
2020 Diet Myths: Debunked
Amid the ongoing pandemic and the change in eating habits, 2020 was also full of diet myths and poor nutrition advice. As people tried to find the best diet to reduce their risk of contracting the coronavirus, nutrition advice took on a new urgency. In 2020, research has begun to question the legitimacy of claims about celebrity diets, fat-loss teas, and immune-boosting superfoods, while new research has also shed a new light on previous “hot topics” like vegan diets, intermittent fasting, and whether coffee is good for you.
Myth: You can lower your risk of contracting COVID-19 or prevent it completely by changing your diet.
Truth: Not even a truck full of oranges will stop you from getting sick if you are exposed to the coronavirus or another contagious illness. While it’s no surprise that diet fads have focused on ways we can boost our disease defenses, cutting out sugar and processed food won’t boost your immune system. Sure, these foods can cause health issues over time, but eating a slice of pizza is not going to increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. The bottom line is that there are no super-diets or superfoods that will prevent (or cure!) a contagious disease. Instead, your best shot at staying healthy is to eat a balanced, nutritious diet which will, in the long run, reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease.
Myth: Intermittent fasting is the best way to shed unwanted pounds.
Truth: Studies have suggested that intermittent fasting (IF), or only eating within a certain window of time, offers many benefits for weight loss, metabolism, and longevity. Researchers theorize that IF provides some type of health boost, perhaps by allowing your digestive system to take a break. However, the truth is that fasting doesn’t seem to make a difference and that possibly the health benefits are a result of the fewer calories one eats throughout the day. Again, there’s no one magic diet solution for health -- as much as we want to believe there is.
Myth: You should avoid coffee to lose weight and get healthy.
Truth: Many fad diets prohibit coffee, but emerging evidence shows that your morning cup of coffee is not as bad as it seems. In fact, coffee has recently been linked to health benefits like better cognitive and mental health, stronger bones, and a lower risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and a few types of cancer. While we don’t know what exactly is in coffee that provides these benefits (as it’s made up of more than 1,000 different compounds) and consuming it in excess can certainly be detrimental, it is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols -- plant-based micronutrients known for increasing friendly bacteria in the gut and lowering inflammation levels.
It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Americans to make major changes in their lives, including how they eat and diet. So, we’re faced with the question of: Will a few -- or all -- of our healthy behaviors and attitudes take the place of the unhealthy ones and stick around in the long run? We can only wait and see what happens when this pandemic is over. And hopefully your body and choices haven’t been terribly affected by the “Quarantine 15” pound weight problem too!
Be Healthy. Stay safe. Welcome 2021!
References & Additional Resources:
2020 Food and Health Survey - explores new topics, such as how food and health behaviors have changed in the past decade (2010-2020) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our eating habits.
SportPort Healthy Recipes & Meal Swaps – offering comfort food and holiday menu recipe standards as well as alternatives (great for vegans or vegetarians).
SportPort blog: Add These To Your Grocery List: Some Foods to Help Boost Your Immune System – find 10 foods that may help to supercharge your body and also boost your immune system and try to avoid any sickness that might come your way.
All SportPort™ activewear garments are unique, signature designs, all Made in the USA. Our passion for excellence is what drives our brand! When you wear SportPort™ activewear, you know you are wearing an original, one of a kind garment engineered to perfection.
Real Leaders Magazine: Features SportPort Founder Kim Highfield
We are excited to have SportPort mentioned in an article in the current Winter 2019 edition of Real Leaders Magazine written by Chris Davis and featuring an interview with Kim Highfield who describes how the SportPort brand was made. We appreciate that Real Leaders finds that SportPort fits to #InspireTheFuture”!
Entrepreneurs Changing Lives for the Better
Turning Passion into a Lifesaving Patent
Kim Highfield is a lifelong entrepreneur and founder of SportPort - a producer of women’s athletic apparel. After becoming aware of the potential dangers of cellphone radiation, she developed a patent for protective pockets in clothing that blocks electric and magnetic fields (EMF). Her technology recently went national and proves that intelligent design, paired with women’s health, can be profitable.
Highfield first learned to be an entrepreneur at six-years-old dancing at family events. “Dad paid me a quarter per dance because I was good at imitating Shirley Temple,” she recalls. “It was my first lesson in business - don’t be afraid to put yourself out there if you feel you have something to share.”
As proprietor of women’s athletic apparel company SportPort, Highfield is now scaling operations based on her patent for EMF-resistant clothing design and her original patterns and florals. She spent nearly a decade in personal study and two years in formal R&D to create the first EMF-resistant SportPort bra.
“Entrepreneurs face intense obstacles every day and adaptability is key to success,” Highfield notes. “I don’t have a fashion or legal degree. I was successful in the world of design and patent processing because of my passion to conduct my own research, based on ideas that I believed in.”
Family has played a pivotal role in Highfield’s drive, in both her personal and professional life. “I began researching everything around cellphone radiation after my mother got cancer,” Highfield recounts. “I believe in actively pursuing knowledge around a problem to help solve it – we should adopt this same attitude in business. During the time of my mother’s illness, I also studied pediatric psychology to understand the issues and organize programs for my sons, both of whom were diagnosed with learning disabilities. Through these efforts I was able to help raise their IQs by 15 points to an above-average range. It was something the doctors didn’t think possible.”
Highfield’s passion for unearthing solutions and strong desire to succeed (she’s also a former athlete) has translated into business success and innovation. Her concern for the health of athletes exposing themselves to prolonged periods of cellphone use inspired an idea. She used her years of visual arts training and collaborated with some of the industry’s top artisans, patterners, and compressors to create a lifesaving garment.
“When I started to become aware of the risks cellphones pose when placed against the body, especially soft tissue, I realized a true need in women’s athletic apparel that was lacking – a cellphone pocket that would function for both convenience and also protect our bodies from harmful EMF radiation.
“I’ve been able to share a room with industry leaders because I’m not afraid to experiment in new directions,” she continues. “My passion for new ideas has always translated into long hours of research around those ideas, so I come to the table equipped with data, professional opinion, and most importantly, direction.”
For Highfield, the road from passion to patent is paved with preparation. “It’s important to have the passion to get you through those down times,” she concludes. “My need to find a safe solution for women who exercise and carry their cellphone is why SportPort exists today.”
To order your hardcopy or subscribe to the magazine online, go here: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe/
5G Cell Phone Networks & Continued Controversies For Our Health & Safety
Coming Soon Here Now: 5G Cell Phone Networks & Continued Controversies For Our Health & Safety
A new generation of cellular technology for the next generation of smartphones is upon us. With 5G already being implemented in select cities across the country, there’s concern about the health risks of this new -- and more powerful -- network. So, how worried should you be about the impending 5G “health-pocalypse?”
By now, you might have come across articles on social media or alternative health websites. The gist: 5G is a harmful escalation of traditional cellular technology, one packed with higher energy radiation than its 4G predecessor that causes life-threatening, disease-producing consequences.
Some 5G experts maintain that the new network produces radiofrequency radiation that can disrupt cell metabolism, cause oxidative damage that leads to premature aging, damage DNA and cause cancer, and potentially pave the way for other diseases through stress protein generation. Some articles even cite opinions and scientific research studies by entities such as the World Health Organization.
Quite frankly, it sounds really scary. But is there any truth based on actual science?
What is 5G?
5G stands for the Fifth Generation of wireless technology for cell phones and cellular networks. When you use your phone, it uses radio waves to interact with a nearby cellular service towers or stations (base stations may include small cell box units). The cell stations then uses radio waves to connect to a core network, which then receives the information and sends it back to your cell phone. 5G networks run on frequencies generally above 24 GHz and reaching up to 72 GHz. In comparison, if your phone is on a 4G network, it uses a frequency band of radio waves that ranges from 2 to 8 Ghz -- slightly higher than 3G’s 1.8 to 2.5 Ghz.
5G uses different kinds of radio wave antennas than 4G, operates on different radio spectrum frequencies, minimizes delays, connects more devices to the internet, and delivers ultra-fast speeds. Sounds great, right?
Pros & Cons of 5G
There are both pros and cons to using higher frequencies. Essentially, the higher the radio wave frequency, the shorter the wave, and the more devices that can connect to the cell station at the same time. However, the faster the shorter waves move, the quicker they lose energy, so they cover less distance. The base station, or the area covered by the phone tower, is known as a “cell” and can reach cell phones up to 45 miles away, depending on the technology of the cell phone network. They can also range in size depending on how many phones are in the area. At weaker frequencies (as is the case with 5G), more cell stations are needed to cover the shorter distances as the radio waves travel with the data that goes to and from your phone.
5G is expected to produce at least 10x improvement in network performance. We have not seen a major network upgrade since 2009, when 4G was introduced with a peak speed of around 10 Mbps. In comparison, 5G is projected to deliver peak speeds between 10 and 20 Gbps. Network latency is expected to decrease to 1ms from 30ms, ideal for online video and video game streaming. When looking at the peak speeds of both networks, 5G is reportedly 20 times faster than 4G and supports frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. In other words, during the time it takes you to download one piece of data such as a movie with 4G, you could’ve downloaded that same movie 20 times on a 5G network. Looking at it another way: You could download almost 10 full movies before 4G could download half of the first one. It’s no wonder why many are looking to 5G as an upgraded network to support the growing number of devices that demand internet access!
But because these waves have a harder time traveling through objects and over distance, the 5G network will be built on small cell site technology with antennas as close as 500 feet apart. This is where health concerns about 5G begin. While there have been plenty of worries and studies about cellular networks in the past, the cell towers and stations themselves were largely out of sight and out of mind. With 5G, we may see the antennas and station boxes more directly, which has made more people questioning the increased antenna density and higher-frequency electromagnetic radiation. According to the Environmental Health Trust, “5G will require the buildout of literally hundreds of thousands of new wireless antennas in neighborhoods, cities, and towns. A cellular small cell or another transmitter may be placed every two to 10 homes according to estimates.” So, the question is: Will the level (and risk) of EMF exposure be greater now that there will be more towers?
Should We Be Concerned About Our EMF Health & Safety?
Before we look at 5G specifically, it’s worth noting that health concerns pertaining to electromagnetic radiation exposure are not a recent trend. Over the past several decades, headlines about the dangers of electromagnetic radiation continue to pop up every day. We’ve seen controversies about everything from the health risks of smart meters to Wi-Fi. For instance, electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a hypothetical disease in which certain people who are in the presence of radiation like Wi-Fi and cell phones experience debilitating symptoms. So, yes, Charles McGill’s bizarre behavior on “Better Call Saul” is a real thing. People have been claiming these types of sensitivities for at least three decades, yet scientific reviews have found that in blind studies, victims who are allegedly afflicted with the condition can’t tell when they are near an electromagnetic field. Remember when Charles’ brother, Jimmy, turns on a cell phone and slips it into Charles’ pocket without his brother knowing? Charles shows no signs of affliction or distress. Does this mean EMF isn’t as dangerous as scientists say and that it’s all in our heads?
How Dangerous is Electromagnetic Radiation?
We don’t know for sure because the testing and science is lacking or outdated as relates to 5G. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) suggest there isn’t any “definite” or “real” science to support radiofrequency radiation or cell phone radiation as being harmful to humans, they are continuing to try to stay up-to-date on the technological changes and advances and will report public studies that show more information.
Of course, just because there’s no clear answer, that doesn’t mean that no effect exists or that it’s safe. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), there is clear evidence and some evidence that suggests exposure to cell phone radiation may cause malignant tumors in rats. Similarly, the National Toxicology Program, an agency run by the Department of Health and Human Services, released a cell phone radiofrequency study in which scientists found that exposure to 3G caused adrenal gland tumors, brain tumors, and cancerous heart tumors in male rats… back in 1999!
Seems that the European Union may have studies more up-to-date that have tested and researched the impacts of EMF on wildlife. You can see our article from two years ago entitled: Cell Phone EMF Radiation Health Concerns for our Plants & Wildlife Too.
So will the science change because of upgraded and new 5G standards? Will these EMF effects worsen due to the higher-powered 5G networks? The answer remains unclear, the science lacking, and therein lies a possible problem for us all.
What Happens Now?
We don’t know for sure what happens now or next. 5G is coming here now -- there’s no doubt about that. Still, there are concerns about this new technology as well as the potentially damaging effects of more cell phone towers & stations. We have been hyping the idea of 5G for the past several years, but 2019 was the year when carriers began to roll out what is anticipated to be the new standard in wireless cellular technology.
In the U.S., T-Mobile is the first nationwide 5G network, covering more than 1 million square miles and more than 200 million people. It is also the first nationwide prepaid 5G network with Metro by T-Mobile and the first to offer 5G devices that work across the country. Verizon currently offers about 10 cities for 5G services and growing every day. The same goes for 5G from Sprint and AT&T -- all of which can be used in a handful of locations -- though widespread availability will take at least another year. Despite this, however, service providers and device manufacturers continue to jump onto the 5G bandwagon. For example, Samsung currently offers several 5G-ready devices -- the new Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Note 10 Plus, Galaxy S10, Galaxy A90 models -- along with models from manufacturers like Apple, OnePlus, Xiaomi, ZTE, Motorola, Huawei, LG, and more.
Here at SportPort, we continue to take a proactive approach by keeping the recommended safe distance between our bodies and our phones, using hands-free technology such as wired headsets whenever possible, reserving the amount of time used on our cell phones, and wearing our own protective clothing to help guard our bodies against potentially harmful EMF during those times when we need our phones close to our bodies at all times.
While we should be able to trust that scientists will continue to test new networks as technology evolves to make sure that we continue to be safe, the best thing we can do is remain proactive, diligent and protect ourselves whenever possible. Research into the risks of radiation is time-consuming, expensive, and often inconclusive, meaning that it might be a long time before we see real progress and clear-cut answers for our health and safety. For now, everything we know about 5G networks tells us there’s no reason to toss our cell phones away just yet… and we don’t want to! Until we know for sure of conclusive health risks, it’s best to stay as informed and safe as possible so as to reduce any potential risk of future health complications. Stay tuned!
In the News: Cell Phone Safety, Small Cells, Towers, Radiation & Big Impacts
You know that quote: “The more things change the more they stay the same.” It is said by many as a reference to situations where there appears to be a meaningful change, but may also be that the underlying fundamentals are still the same.
It’s April 2018 and with technological growth and advances, comes big impacts for everyone. The news about cell phone business and services is changing rapidly while personal cell phone safety information is staying the same. At the same time, the cell service business and government entities opinions on cell phone safety aren’t changing much, while science studies and individual thoughts are growing rapidly for concerns on personal health. What’s also growing is the number of cellular devices in use and the number of WiFi antennas and RF (radiofrequency) towers for the service providers.
So… what is a person supposed to do about cell phone use & safety concerns?
At SportPort™, while our company is locally owned and operated out of Charlotte, NC, many of the women on our team work remotely and across the US. We do NOT want to stop using our cell phones, we meet up regularly via our cellular devices, and we complain constantly about the poor or slow service too. And… because we are SportPort, and our womens’ sportswear line is best-known for our sports bra with the safety cell phone pocket built-in, we continually want to stay up on the news and information regarding our health and safety, along with news on cell phone safety?
Here’s a brief recap of what’s currently in the news to-date:
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In the Public Health news from Scientific America: New Studies Link Cell Phone Radiation with Cancer
Some info from the article includes:- Researchers call for greater caution, but skeptics say the evidence from rat studies is not convincing.
- “When turned on, cell phones and other wireless devices emit EF radiation continually, even if they are not being actively used, because they are always communicating with cell towers. The dose intensity tails off with increasing distance from the body, and reaches a maximum when the devices are used next to the head during phone calls or in front of the body during texting or tweeting.”
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In US & Federal News: FCC Acts to Speed Deployment of Next-Gen Wireless Infrastructure
Stating that the new rules and actions taken by the FCC, “will reduce regulatory impediments to deploying small cells needed for 5G and help to expand the reach of 5G for faster, more reliable wireless service and other advanced wireless technologies to more Americans.” -
In Local News: Small Cells Popping Up Across the US Causing Concerns for Increased RF Exposure
With the FCC’s relaxed rules on small cell deployment, these “small” cell-boosting RF power boxes used to help boost the cellular equipment services will be seen atop utility poles and in various local US neighborhoods, in an effort to improve the cellular services and call capacity along with Internet speeds for users of mobile phones and tablet computers.
- East Coast In California: Verizon to roll out ‘small cells’ to deepen Napa cellphone coverage
-West Coast In Maryland: Montgomery Co. residents: 5G wireless cell antennas pose health risks
Are the “small cells” a “big cell” problem for your neighborhood?
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In Personal News: Small Cells, Big Cells, Cancer Cells… Will They Raise More Questions & Possible Concerning Issues Regarding Cell Phone Safety?
In this YouTube video, The Verge interviewed Jon Samet from the World Health Organization in March to help and explain the question: Do Cellphones Cause Cancer?
During the interview, Samet states, “In the 21st century United States, we have more and more devices that are emitting radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. With that rationale, it’s very reasonable to say we should find out as much as we can about this. And, even if there were a small risk, perhaps a very small risk, associated with this kind of exposure, we still have an awful lot of people exposed.”
If you are worried…
We recommend: Be pro-active and continue to consider these steps for safe cell phone use for yourself:
• Carry your phone in an EMF protective way. The SportPort™ Zephyr Sports Tank Top and all of the SportPort™ Sports Bras with Pockets feature a cell phone pocket with patented design technology that helps form a barrier between your body and radiation from your device, lessening your body’s exposure.
• Wear wired headsets or use the speaker function to make calls.
• Don’t store the phone close to your head or body.
• If your children use your device for games or videos, it can be safer to put the device in airplane mode.
• Turn your phone off when you won’t be using it and keep it a safe distance away from you.
Charlotte Business Journal Interviews SportPort CEO, Kim Highfield
Whether on a national or local scale, Kim Highfield, CEO & Founder of SportPort™, is always happy to share her company story, and was particularly pleased to be interviewed by the Charlotte Business Journal recently. As the Charlotteans’ leading resource for business news, the Charlotte Business Journal is notable for featuring top stories for their readers.
Charlotte Business Journal Interviews SportPort CEO & Founder, Kim Highfield
“Highfield lost both of her parents to cancer — life events that caused her to live a healthy and active life. But Highfield found she had nowhere to put her phone while working out, so she would tuck it into her sports bra. After a while, she started hearing about the dangers of keeping her phone so close to her body. She started researching cell phone radiation and found a need for activewear with protective pockets for phones.“I knew there was a need for the pocket,” Highfield says. “I knew athletes needed a place to put their cell phones.”After a few years of research and design, Highfield received a patent for the protective material in the pocket in 2015, just before the company’s launch. She has spent much of the last year building her inventory and spreading the word about her e-commerce site.” (Hilary Burns, Charlotte Business Journal, October 19, 2016) Read Full Article at Charlotte Business Journal
While Kim Highfield’s entrepreneurial spirit comes through in her innovative products, her zest for fashion and design is just as apparent, as displayed in her most recent collection. The Hibiscus Collection features custom hand-painted artistry digitized onto premium technical compression fabric, providing athletes with high quality compression apparel that is both functional and fashionable. The collection includes the Hibiscus Compression Cargo Capris, Hibiscus Apex Sports Bra in Black, Hibiscus Apex Sports Bra in Red, Hibiscus Compression Shorts, Long-Sleeve Tech V Tops, and Shrugs.
Many thanks to the Charlotte Business Journal for sharing the SportPort company story of our local Charlottean, Kim Highfield.
Anderson Cooper 360: Cell Phones and the Dangers of Cancer
Anderson Cooper is joined by Dr. Sanja Gupta. Anderson opens with this question: “If they’re so safe, why do manufacturers recommend holding them more than a half-inch away from your head while you’re talking?”
Recently the National Institute of Health released a study that using a cell phone changes the chemistry inside of your brain. The usage of cell phones has increased to several hours a day which is not how cell phones were intended to be used. Although the FCC does not recommend any precautionary measures, the cell phone manufacturers say to keep the cell phones 5/8" away from your body. Dr. Sanja Gupta suggests using ear phones instead of putting your cell phone next to your head. Non-ionizing radiation, found in cell phone usage, is similar to a low power microwave oven. Cell phones can heat up and may cause tissue damage where the phone is held. Scientists do know that cell phones have an impact on the brain; it changes the brain metabolism in the area where the cell phone is held. It is hard to predict the long term effect this may have on the brain. Can it lead to cancer? That's what scientists are trying to figure out.
Lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, best know for his role in the acquittal of O. J. Simpson, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003 and died in 2005. Neurosurgeon, Keith Black, treated Mr. Cochran and is convinced his brain tumor was caused by cell phone usage.
World Health Organization, (WHO), released a new finding that cell phones can possibly be carcinogenic to humans. They compare the cell phone carcinogens to lead, chloroform, and engine exhaust. They recommend using preventative measures, such as a speaker phone, ear phone devices, and Bluetooth. WHO says to keep phones away from your body.