Today I was reminded of just how much we have come to depend on the cell phone in our modern day society, as I read some statistics concerning their use. Interestingly enough, text messaging as opposed to talking on the phone is becoming more popular.

Statistics Today:
There is an approximate 85% increase of text messaging instead of talking compared with the statistics published for the same time frame last year. Is this a good thing? Perhaps it is, when considering the dangers that seem to be associated with cell phones.

However there are some downsides to this also. A major one that comes to mind is driving and text messaging at the same time. I walk a lot, and find that one has to be VERY careful crossing at corners where cars are stopped. The drivers are mostly way too busy typing out a message to see a pedestrian crossing in front of them. If the light happens to change, they see the light but nothing else (but the text message they are working on), and the foot goes on the accelerator.

However there are still thousands who talk hours a day on their cell phones. Everywhere you look when you walk down the street, in the mall, even on the beach, someone is talking on their cell phone. And of course now with the blackberry, and the Iphone and Google’s challenge to the Iphone, the Android, there is even more to entice us to spend time playing with these fascinating toys.

But exactly what are ARE playing with? I have had this niggling question for years now since I first read that there was a danger of radiation in cell phones that could cause brain tumors. Then a couple of years later I met up again with a friend I had not seen in months. She had a son who had found a great delight in the freedom of having his own phone (This was before everyone and his dog had a cell phone).

The natural thing to do when reuniting with a friend is to ask after their family, and what a shock it was to hear that her son had died of a brain tumor just before his 21st birthday. Was there a relation to the time he had spent with his cell phone? I was left wondering, and that question mark in my mind that started when I first read about the danger was now in bold!

This question is not new. But I think it is always good to refresh our minds on things that we may have forgotten, especially where possible dangers are involved.

I did some research and found that the biggest danger is the radiation that comes from the equipment and its effect on the brain. Reduction in memory, concentration and worse still impairs reaction times. There are also that are relating the use of cell phones with brain tumors and Alzheimers.

Did you happen to catch Larry King live addressing this situation? No this was not published in 2008, but as I mentioned before, it is always good to refresh our minds on some issues. It is good to keep some of these things in mind. This series  is very interesting viewing if you did not see it.

Please take all the precautions possible with your use of your cellphone.

I want to see you live a long and happy life!

Consider investing in a radiation free headset for your cell phone to keep you safe:

My conclusion to this issue is that:

• Text messaging may certainly be a safer way to go AS LONG AS you don’t do it while driving or doing other things that require your complete attention. (Look for an article about multi-tasking soon).
• If you spend a lot of time talking on the cell phone, please DO consider using an ear phone such as is suggested above.
• Speaker cell phones may be another option, since you don’t have the phone close to your ear and brain.
• Above all, stay safe! Taking some of these precautions when you are using your cellphone will help you to stay safe.

Yuli

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