EMF’s - Electro Magnetic Frequencies
This is a post that makes me realize I really do have a health blog. In the past, I never dreamed I'd write a blog post about EMF's - Electro Magnetic Frequencies. (also known as Electro Magnetic Fields)
15 years ago, I wouldn't have even known what EMF's were. But, EMF's can have an effect on health, thus my reason for sharing about it on this blog.
5G stands for "5th Generation" of wireless, cellular technology. Basically, each Generation (think: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, etc.) gets better and faster wireless internet service, and they use certain frequencies to do this. I confess, the science behind this is "over my head". The only thing I can tell is when my cell phone service (Wi-Fi) is slower or faster. 5G is supposed to be faster.
I am completely amazed at modern technology! Growing up, our only means of communication with others (besides in person) was through the mail or through a house phone. We rarely called anyone who lived "long distance" because it cost so much per minute to talk to them on our house phone! I remember my Dad getting a monthly phone bill in the mail, primarily to pay for any long distance phone calls we may have made that month. (usually Grandparents we called long distance)
I remember when email first came out. I was 15 years old when my Dad signed me up for my first email address! (an email address I no longer have) I was amazed I could send an email to a friend in another state, all for free, and she might reply back that same day! How fun was that?! Back in those days, checking email once a day was common. I probably only got an email or two a week, if that. Now, I get many emails a day and an immediate notification on my phone! Things have changed so much since then.
I remember when I got my first cell phone, exactly 10 years later, at the age of 25. I had a simple, flip phone that was small and fit nicely inside my purse. My cell phone didn't have any text or internet service on it; it was just for making calls. But I could hardly believe I had my very own phone, one that I could take with me wherever I went! Better yet, I could call anyone in the United States for free! Usually, that little cell phone stayed in my purse for most of the day. I only checked it a few times a day for any missed calls or voice messages. I primarily used it to call my family if I needed, and occasionally, I used it to call a friend. That was it.
And then, almost 10 years later, I decided I wanted a "smart" phone like so many others had. But did I need one? I was a little hesitant at first. Smart phones are expensive, and I knew the monthly bill would be too. (more than the $10 a month I was paying for my flip phone) Because my flip phone didn't have text or internet service, I decided to purchase a smart phone, an iPhone at that. I was in my mid 30's, and I was working a Monday-Friday job, so, why not?
After purchasing a refurbished iPhone, I had it activated at a local cell phone store. I was in awe. This thing is mine? All of the brightly colored, square shaped apps overwhelmed and intimidated me at first. Just touch a square, and it opens up? The “home” button was a tremendous comfort to me at first along with the power button on the side of the phone - simply so that I could turn the entire thing off. And texting? How do I do that? Do I have to respond immediately? I felt pressure to respond immediately when I got my first texts. But, I quickly discovered how fun it was to send just a line or two to someone and get an immediate response from them - all the way in another state! As was habit for me, my smart phone stayed in my purse for a majority of the day. I checked it occasionally for any missed calls or texts, but that was it. After I got more familiar with my smart phone and all that I could do with it, I slowly got hooked. My cell phone no longer stayed in my purse for most of the day; I usually kept it with me. Now, I usually have my phone near me, but occasionally, I will leave my phone in my purse or in my bedroom for several hours. When I do that, quite often, I have messages waiting for me.
Technology. Who would have ever thought?
I think most people enjoy the convenience of modern technology, especially cell phones. Admittedly, they are handy to have, and now, I think most people can hardly imagine life without a cell phone. They are a blessing and can help to save lives in emergency situations.
I think the primary blessing is connecting with others in ways we couldn't just 15-20 years ago. WhatsApp is one of my favorite apps on my phone - a bright green app that makes me happy to use. I'm able to share Bible verses, prayer requests, praise reports, pictures, and other things just in my “status” there. I'm able to connect with so many dear people in other states in a way I never could have before having a smart phone. We are wired and designed by God for community. I can’t help but wonder if that is why there are so many different social media apps available today for smart phones. We need connection with others whether we realize it or not. (interesting fact: did you know that a lack of community can even be a cause of depression?) Those who do not have a church body (like me, currently) can sometimes find encouragement through their cell phone by connecting with other Christians that way. It's not the same as being in person, but it can still be a huge blessing.
Like almost anything in life though, there is also a down side to technology. Cell phones (smart phones) are incredibly addicting, and they can take you away from your family. They can also be used for bad things, and they can even pose a threat to your health.
Before cell phones, most people just had a house phone and/or a business phone. Telephones poles and power lines made it possible to talk to people locally and long distance. Power lines, and especially cell phone towers, emit radiation frequencies (EMF's) - things that are not so healthy to be around.
Around 15 years ago, I remember hearing about a younger married couple who lived near some power lines. If I remember correctly, they had several miscarriages while living in this home. Awhile later, they linked their miscarriages to them living near these power lines. They moved away, and that problem cleared up for them.
I cannot help but wonder about other, unexplainable health issues that people face today (like brain tumors), possibly caused by living or working near power lines or cell phone towers with high EMF radiation. Things like EMF's are very real even though we cannot see them.
Most people use computers and cell phones today. Cell phones especially emit EMF's. I was unaware of this fact until some friends of mine shared with me that having some kind of protection on your cell phone is a good idea. Admittedly, I was a little skeptical at first, but the more I looked into it, I realized that it's true. Cell phones do emit some radiation.
The link below shares some interesting facts about this:
Because I use my cell phone so much, I finally decided to purchase some EMF protection stickers here through Amazon. One package gives you three stickers, making each sticker $12.00 each. I stuck one on the back of my cell phone, and it makes me feel safer having it on there. There are other EMF protection stickers out there as well. (along with some not so good ones) It is very important to get a good one.
I also recommend not having your cell phone close by while you are sleeping. I used to charge my cell phone at night on a nightstand next to my bed. After discovering this fact about cell phones and EMF's, I began charging my phone away from me at night in another place in my room. I was surprised to discover that I began sleeping a little better! Below is another fascinating link about EMF’s and sleep.
Also, it is not a good idea to keep your cell phone in a pocket or in any other place directly next to your body. Cell phones (and other devices like wireless earbuds and smart watches) are not so healthy to wear. Below is another interesting link about smart watches:
If you like to keep your phone near you during the day, lay it down close to where you are working (if possible) instead of keeping it directly “on you”.
Modern technology and cell phones are a blessing, but they do not come without some risks. Being aware of things like EMF's is important for better health.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.
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