Wireless radiation… For the first time in human history, our bodies are being bombarded daily by a hefty dose of radiation.  From cell phones, wireless routers, WiMax, and countless other devices that operate without wires.  This technology is so amazing that more things are going wireless.  But it comes with a price…

Research is showing us that the radiation from these things are causing health effects.  Some people even feel symptoms when they are close to these devices for periods of time. 

Wireless Radiation Quiz

Which of the follow statements applies to you:

• I talk on a cell phone more than 1 hour a day, while holding it to my ear.
• My cell phone is usually on and kept on my body when not in use.
• I use microwave ovens to cook my food and stand next to them while the food is cooking.
• I have several wireless devices in my home.
• I live close (within 600 feet) proximity to a cell phone tower.
• I keep my cell phone or a cordless phone next to my bed at night.
• There is a wireless router within a few feet of where I sit regularly. 
• My office or workplace is in close proximity to a cell phone tower.
• I use a wireless computer or iPad.
• I use a Bluetooth wireless device with my phone.
• I have a smart meter installed on my home on the opposite side of a wall in my home where I spend a good deal of time.

My score is: _____

If you scored between 1 and 3:  You have low exposure that may only be affecting your health to a small degree.  Be sure not to increase the exposure any more than this amount.

If you scored between 4 and 7:  Your exposure to wireless radiation is likely to be high.  Consider making changes that will lower your exposure and notice where the hotspots are so you can avoid them.  Implement the tips below to reduce your exposure.

If you scored between 8 and 11: Your exposure is very high.  You need to take steps to reduce your exposure.  Children, the elderly, and anyone with a lowered immune system are most at risk from the health effects. 

Here are 5 ways you can avoid the dangerous health effects:

• Use a WIRED router instead of wireless.  The best choice for your health is electronics with wires, not wireless.  If you want to be able to use your computer in various areas of your house, an ethernet connection is very easy to set up and doesn't have the same harmful effects as wifi. 

• Turn off your data on your phone and use only when needed.  Smart phones transmit wifi signal to the cell towers every few seconds, so even having your phone in your pocket and not even using it, you are still getting exposed to radiation.  The best thing to do is to disable the data part of the phone so it is not constantly transmitting data.  Then you can just turn on the wifi  or data settings when you need to check your email or access apps that require it.  So many parents let their kids play with their phone, unaware of the exposure their kids are having just playing a game.  Protect your kids by disabling the data/wifi by turning those off or putting it on "flight mode".  This makes the phone unable to transmit the wifi signals. 

• Avoid wifi hotspots when possible.  Coffee shops, hotels, and now many stores offer free wifi hotspots.  It's pretty much everywhere nowadays!  You can minimize your exposure by checking the signal strength and staying where it shows poor signal strength.  This is very important when traveling.  I've found that sleeping in an area with high amounts of wifi will disrupt the normal sleep patterns.  How to test an area for wifi hotspots:  If you have a smart phone, it's easy to do.  Simply turn on your phone's wifi setting.  It will show you all the wifi networks in your area.  You can click on each one and see the signal strength.  Ideally, you want to only be in an area with poor signal strength.  If you do not have a smart phone, you will need to use a meter designed to test for radio-frequency radiation.  These are available from lessemf.com. 

• Distance is key!  When using a cell phone, use it on speaker mode or use a wired ear piece and hold it as far away from your body as possible.  If you simply must be around a wireless device or a router, move it as far as possible away from you. 

• Use devices to minimize the harmful effect on your body.  While avoidance is the absolute best thing to do, many of us cannot avoid all wifi exposure.  There are many difference devices on the market that claim to protect the body from this type

  of radiation, but buyer beware….they don't all work.  While they don't get rid of the radiation, they help your body respond to it differently.  The body interprets this radiation as a stressor and these devices help to minimize the effect of the stress the radiation causes the body.  There are only a few that I've found to actually have measurable difference on the body:  This one is a small holographic chip that is placed on your phone and it helps to reduce the radiation and the harmful effect it has on the body.  I have actually measured it with my meter and found it does reduce the radiation a bit.  Another one is a pendant that is worn on the body, called a BioElectric Shield.  I have personally used this one and found it to be very effective.   Grounding the body is another way to help protect the body from the negative effects of radiation.  You can buy grounding pads and even sheets that keep you grounded in your home.  Just remember, avoidance is best, so try to cut back on your exposure first, then you can use these ideas to help the body be healthier.