How to Protect Yourself from the Cell Phone

In addition to the personal computer and the internet, the cell phone is the next greatest invention in our modern time. Now we never miss a phone call. We can call anyone from any where at any time. We do not have to keep address books nor various bits of paper to write down names and phone numbers. They can be stored in the cell phone. Cell phones serve other functions as well as a function of a phone. They take pictures as a camera, take video as a camcorder, play music, play games, surf the internal, send and receive emails, and more. The cell phone is like a science fiction gadget come true.

However, in spite of how wonderful the cell phone is, there is some controversy over its uses. The controversy stems over the cell phone radiation emission. For instance, S. Thompson's report "Handheld Cellular Telephone Use and Risk Of Brain Cancer" in Journal Of The American Medical Association, long-term cell phone uses may cause brain cancer tumors. This can be due to the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the cell phone when used.

However, other studies, such as a report published in the Nov.-Dec. 2000 issue of the FDA Consumer Magazine, found that more research is needed before a definite determination can be made.

Since there is a concern about the affects of cell phone use people should take precaution to limit their exposure to radiation emitted from the phone.

Limit Talking Uses
The cell phone should only be used for emergencies. Instead of using it as a social link to hold long conversations with friends and family. Use the cell phone to make urgent calls when you are not able to use a traditional wired phone. For instance, use the cell phone when:

Stuck in Traffic
When a public pay phone is out of order or not available
When expecting an important phone call during the time when you will not be at wired phone
When away from home or office phone.

Cell Phone Handling
Holding the phone close to the head for a long period of time can cause large amounts of radiation to enter the head and hand. When using the phone, hold phone at a slight distance away from one's head. This minimizes the absorption of radiation from the phone. Also hold the cell phone at its base to minimize radiation adsorption in the hand as well.

Communication Options To Talking On The Cell Phone
There are options, such as text messaging, email, prepaid phone cards, and the old fashion telephone, to talking on the cell phone. Using these options can reduce ones risk of developing health problem from cell phones.

Text Messaging
Text messaging is a good option. Important messages and responses can be sent back and forth without having to put cell phone up to one's head. People can reduce their cell phone minutes and increase their instant text messaging service.

Email
People who have access to the internet on their cell phone can use their email as a communication option. Since email is apart of the internet service, it can be done without limit unlike text messaging.

Prepaid Phone Card
Where ever you go, always carry a prepaid phone card with plenty of call minutes. The prepaid phone card comes in handy if one is out at the shopping mall, grocery store, or airport and need to make a phone call. Prepaid phone calls are especially good to have when at an airport and one needs to make along distance call to home or to work.

The Old Fashion Telephone
At home one should keep his or her traditional wired phone service. When making out-going calls from home, use the wired phone instead of the cell phone. When at work, use your office phone instead of your cell phone when making personal calls, however, be sure to your personal calls brief.

When giving out your contact number give your wired home phone number and office phone number as well as your cell phone number. Give people a call time for when to contact you at home and at work using the wire phone number. Tell people to call your cell phone number only when it is absolutely one hundred percent necessary.

Getting rid of our cell phone is impossible. However, we can continue enjoying the benefits of their uses and practice safety steps to protect ourselves from the cell phone's potential harm.