Mobile Phone health hazards

Mobile phones have indeed become an indispensable part of our lifestyle but not without a price. Mobile phones and telephone towers emit microwave (Frequencies from 1-30 GHz) radiation, which is in the radio frequency radiation (RFR) part of the spectrum of electromagnetic waves.
RFR, like ultra-violet (UV) and infra-red light, is a sources of non-ionising radiation. These radiations, together with ionizing electromagnetic radiations (X-rays, gamma rays) make up the electromagnetic spectrum. Radiofrequency is the spectrum of electromagnetic waves that range from 100 Kilohertz (KHz) to 300 Gigahertz (GHz).
RFR energy is used for a number of applications, including:
Carriage of telephone and broadcasting signals (radio, TV, mobile phones, cordless phones).
Industrial processing.
Radar and microwave ovens.
Medical therapies.
Mobile (or cellular) phones use electric power to receive and transmit signals through a base station tower that is linked with other transmission towers. These signals are usually around 900 MHz which is within the microwave range.
Effects of RFR on health:
Heating (thermal) effects
Radiofrequency radiation is a source of thermal energy and in adequate doses, has all the known effects of heating on biological systems, including burns and cataracts in the eye. Human and animal studies indicate that RF fields can cause harmful effects because of excessive heating of internal tissues.
For most of the range of RFR the skin does not easily detect the heating caused by these fields. Workers can therefore absorb significant amounts of RFR without being aware of any leakage fields. There are reports of workers in some occupations experiencing a "warming sensation" some time after being exposed to RFR at work. Calculations show that maximal temperature rises may be about 0.03o C. Although this temperature rise is slight, the heating effect of RFR can become a problem in individuals with metallic implants such as rods in bones, and electro-magnetic interference can interact with some cardiac pacemakers.
Acute high dose exposures to RFR may cause injury to the eye. The cornea and crystalline lens are particularly susceptible to frequency in the 1-300 GHz range and formation of lesions in the retina is also possible.

Non-thermal effects
Biological effects from RFR exposure also occur where thermal mechanisms are not possible or are inadequate to account for these effects. These are referred to as athermal effects. Long-term exposure to low-level RFR has induced a variety of effects in the nervous system and components of the immune system of small animals. However, the significance of these in humans is still not clear. A number of recent studies have suggested differences in cognitive function in frequent users of mobile phones. These changes included changes in reaction time and memory. Other reported health effects include headaches and sleep disorder.
RFR and cancer
A research study has suggested that RFR may act as a cancer promoter in animals but there is not enough evidence that RFR can initiate cancer in humans. There are few epidemiological studies of workers exposed to RFR and conclusions regarding health effects in humans are limited. Studies have been few and inconsistent with regard to possible cancer effects of RFR in exposed humans.
In 2007, an assessment was published by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks or SCENIHR that there is no significant health effect on human beings exposed to mobile phone radiation. This assumes a moderate and normal level of exposure. They claim that
the normal exposure to mobile phone radiation will not cause headaches or dizziness
moderate exposure to mobile phones does not cause brain cancer, negative neurological effects, or negative reproductive effects
there are inconclusive studies that say that mobile phones could cause a benign tumour in the auditory nerve
there are still more studies to be done regarding the effect of mobile phones on children
Recent studies claim that cell and cordless phone microwave can possibly cause:
Damage nerves in the scalp
Cause blood cells to leak hemoglobin
Cause memory loss and mental confusion
Cause headaches and induce extreme fatigue
Induce depression and sleeping disorders
Create joint pain, muscle spasms and tremors
Create burning sensation and rash on the skin
Alter the brain's electrical activity during sleep
Induce ringing ! in the ears, impair sense of smell
Precipitate cataracts, retina damage and eye cancer
Open the blood-brain barrier to viruses and toxins
Reduce the number and efficiency of white blood cells
Stimulate asthma by producing histamine in mast cells
Cause digestive problems and raise bad cholesterol levels
Stress the endocrine system, especially pancreas, thyroid, ovaries, testes
Could cut male sperm production by third and/or cause them to function abnormally reducing their chance of fertilization
· Some people appear to have an almost pathological emotional attachment to their cell phones and there is a fascinating suggestion that cell radiation pulses might actually be addictive to the human brain.
· Cell phone is a microwave transmitter. Microwave energy oscillates at millions to billions of cycles per second. The Journal of Cellular Biochemistry reports that these frequencies cause cancer and other diseases by interfering with cellular DNA and its repair mechanisms. Microwave promotes rapid cell aging. Italian scientists have recently demonstrated that cell phone radiation makes cancerous cells grow aggressively. Cordless phones marked 900 megahertz or 2.4 gigahertz emits the same dangerous microwave radiation as cell phones.
According to the World Health Organization, some harmful effects EMFs can have on your body include: Headache Fatigue Stress Sleep disturbances Skin symptoms like prickling, burning sensations and rashes Muscle pains and aches.
Researchers say that headaches, memory loss, cancer, rashes in ears and fingers and even leukemia are likely to occur after a continuous use of phone over a period of 14 months. The radiations produced by the phones can affect the brain of children and it will give them the difficulty to cope up with their studies and soon memory loss arises.
Long-term use of a cell phone may cause inner ear damage and can lead to high frequency hearing loss, according to a new study.100 people who had used mobile phones for over a year suffered increases in the degree of hearing loss over the span of 12 months. Furthermore, the study also discovered that people who used their phones for more than 60 minutes a day had a worse hearing threshold than those with less use.
The researchers warn users of cell phones to look out for ear symptoms such as ear warmth, ear fullness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as early warning signs that you may have an auditory abnormality.

Recently, new media has reported a study showing the microwave radiation from cell phones is so full of energy they can be used to cook eggs.
In the experiment, 2 Russian researchers placed one egg in a porcelain cup (because it is easy to conduct heat), and put one cell phone on one side and another cell phone on the other. The researchers then called from one cell phone to another and kept the cell phones on after connecting.

During the first 15 minutes, nothing changed. After 25 minutes, however, the egg shell started to become hot and at 40 minutes, the surface of the egg became hard and bristled. Researchers found the protein in the egg had become solid although the egg yolk was still in liquid form. After 65 minutes, the whole egg was well cooked.
Now a days a syndrome associated with excessive use of Mobile phone is being postulated which is known as Health syndrome. In this syndrome:
Around 40% of users complain that they suffer from headaches, and many people find that after a day's heavy use of the phone that they have a thumping headache.
After a while users feel extremely tired, and their reaction times start to fall off.
After 14 months to two years some users will start to develop leukaemia.
[Some laboratory tests also show that after a seven-and-a-half hour exposure to a mobile phone on stand-by there was a serious degradation of the while blood cells (the cells that fight disease). A day after exposure there was a substantial fall in the viability of white blood cells, and after the 2nd day only 13% of white blood cells were viable.]
Several studies show cell phones are a leading cause of car crashes.The reaction time of cell phone users slows dramatically, increasing the risk of accidents
Simple protective measures to avoid mobile hazards:
1) Choose a phone with lowest RFR level.
2) Make shorter calls
3) Hold the mobile a couple of cms away from the ear while using.
4) Even if users holding their phones away from their head while usage experience a slight muscle ache it should warn them that they have been on phone too long.
5) Use loud speaker mode of mobile for conversing whenever and wherever possible.
6) Make more use of ordinary wire phone in the office and at home
7) Small children should be discouraged to use mobile phones
8) Avoid using mobile phones while driving or travelling
9) Switch off mobile phone while sleeping
Studies showing no adverse effect of mobile phone usage:
A Danish study in 2004 that was ten years long showed no evidence
A Swedish study in 2005 drew the conclusion that mobile phone use is not related to glioma or meningioma
A British study in 2005 stated that there is no significant risk of acoustic neuroma for the first decade of using a mobile phone. One must still keep in mind that the long term effects of such use has still to be discovered
A German study in 2006 states that there is no risk of glioma or meningioma for cellphone users although the long term effects of such use are still to be known
A joint study which was conducted across northern Europe states that the results do not indicate an increased risk of glioma in relation to the use of mobile phones although it is possible that the most heavily exposed part of the brain may have long term effects that are unknown of
Conclusion: It is still a matter of debate whether mobile phone usage have any ill effects on health or not. But it is certain that chronic and long term usage of mobile phone certainly has its impact on person’s life either directly or indirectly. ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is a general rule and should be adopted here also by following the simple measures as mentioned above.

The Truth About Carbohydrates

Not all Carbs are Created Equal

It’s true. A carbohydrate-rich diet can inflate appetite and girth. Low-carb diets do promote short-term weight loss, but are accompanied by some severe dangers. So what should you do? The truth is, you can have your carbs and eat them too—you just have to know how to choose them. The Truth about Carbohydrates
· Carbohydrates are the body's ideal fuel for most functions. They supply the body with the energy needed for the muscles, brain and central nervous system. In fact, the human brain depends exclusively on carbohydrates for its energy.
· Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy products, foods made from grain products, and sweeteners such as sugar, honey, molasses, and corn syrup.
· The body converts digestible (non-fiber) carbohydrates into glucose, which our cells use as fuel. Some carbs (simple) break down quickly into glucose while others (complex) are slowly broken down and enter the bloodstream more gradually.
· During digestion, all carbohydrates are broken down into glucose before they can enter the bloodstream where insulin helps the glucose enter the body’s cells. Some glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for future use, like fuelling a workout. If there is extra glucose, the body will store it as fat.

All carbohydrates are not created equal.
There are basically three types of carbohydrates:
1. Simple carbohydrates are composed of 1 or 2 sugar units that are broken down and digested quickly. Recent research has shown that certain simple carbohydrate foods can cause extreme surges in blood sugar levels, which also increases insulin release. This can elevate appetite and the risk of excess fat storage.
2. Complex carbohydrates (also referred to as starch) are made up of many sugar units and are found in both natural (brown rice) and refined (white bread) form. They are structurally more complex and take longer to be broken down and digested. Complex carbohydrate foods have been shown to enter the blood stream gradually and trigger only a moderate rise in insulin levels, which stabilizes appetite and results in fewer carbohydrates that are stored as fat. Unrefined or ‘whole grain’ carbohydrates found in products like brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bran cereals are digested slowly. They contain vitamins, minerals and fiber which promote health. Fiber and nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and beans which are carbohydrates also have many important functions for the body and are important for good health.
3. Indigestible carbohydrates are also called fiber. The body is unable to breakdown fiber into small enough units for absorption. It is therefore not an energy source for the body but does promote health in many other ways.
Simple carbs, complex carbs, and fiber are found in many foods. Some provide important nutrients that promote health while others simply provide calories that promote girth.
· Sugar, syrup, candy, honey, jams, jelly, molasses, and soft drinks contain simple carbohydrates and little if any nutrients.
· Fruits contain primarily simple carbohydrate but also valuable vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
· Vegetables contain varying amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
· Legumes such as beans, peas, lentils and soybeans contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
· Milk products contain simple carbohydrates along with protein, calcium and other nutrients.
· Grain products contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The amounts vary depending on the type of grain used and the amount of processing. Selecting whole grain options whenever possible is recommended.

What You Should Know About Low-Carbohydrate Diets
Following an extremely low-carbohydrate diet is disastrous, dangerous, and above all—boring! Carbohydrates are NOT the enemy. Including the appropriate amounts and types of carbohydrate-rich foods in your diet is essential for long-term health and weight loss/maintenance.
The Body’s Immediate Reaction to Very Low Carbohydrate Diets When there is a severe deficit of carbohydrates, the body has several immediate reactions:
· With no glucose available for energy, the body starts using protein from food for energy. Therefore this protein is no longer available for more important functions, such as making new cells, tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies and the regulation of fluid balance.
· When carbohydrates are lacking, the body cannot burn fat in the correct way. Normally carbs combine with fat fragments to be used as energy. When carbs are not available, there is an incomplete breakdown of fat that produces a by-product called ketones. These ketones accumulate in the blood and in the urine causing ketosis, which is an abnormal state. Ketosis does cause a decrease in appetite because it's one of the body's protection mechanisms. It's an advantage to someone in a famine (which the body thinks it's experiencing) to lack an appetite because the search for food would be a waste of time and additional energy.
· Due to the lack of energy and the accumulation of ketones, low-carb diets are often accompanied by nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, bad breath, and dehydration.
· Because of dehydration and a lack of fiber, constipation can result.
· Exercise and fitness performance is reduced on a low-carb diet. Do not be surprised if your energy level is so low that you cannot make it through your normal workout routine.
The Long-Term Effects of Low Carbohydrate Diets When you severely restrict carbohydrates, your consumption of protein and fat increases, which has several long-term effects:
· The risk of many cancers increases when fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and beans are eliminated from the diet.
· Protein foods are also high in purines, which are broken down into uric acid. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood may lead to needle-like uric acid crystals in joints, causing gout.
· Kidney stones are more likely to form on high protein, ketosis-producing diets.
· Over time, high protein diets can cause a loss of calcium and lead to osteoporosis.
· The risk of heart disease is greatly increased on a low-carb diet that is high in protein, cholesterol, fat, and saturated fat. A temporary reduction in cholesterol levels may be experienced, but this is common with any weight loss.

The Million Dollar Question
How do you include carbohydrates in you diet in a safe, effective, and controlled way? The “Please KISS Me” (Please Keep It So Simple for Me) plan for carbohydrate control is a wonderful tool that only contains 3 simple rules:

RULE 1: Include the following in your diet:
· Fruits: 2-4 servings daily
· Vegetables: 3-5 servings daily
· Whole grain breads, muffins, bagels, rolls, pasta, noodles, crackers, cereal, and brown rice: 6-11 servings daily
· Legumes, beans and peas: 1-2 servings daily
· Low-fat and non-fat dairy products: 3 servings daily

RULE 2: Limit the following to less than 2 servings daily:
· Fruit Juice
· Refined and processed white flour products (bread, muffins, bagels, rolls, pasta, noodles, crackers, cereal)
· White rice
· French fries
· Fried vegetables

RULE 3: Eliminate the following from your diet or eat only on occasion:
· Sugary desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, candies
· Doughnuts and pastries
· Chips, cola and carbonated beverages
· Sugar, honey, syrup, jam, jelly, molasses

That’s it! A simple, effective carbohydrate-controlling plan that, when combined with your Spark Diet, allows you to reap the countless benefits of complex carbohydrates and fiber while enhancing your health and maintaining a healthy weight. The long term result will be a healthy you!