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Saying that cell phone use carries health risks is "controversial", so by all reason and logic, they must be safe, right? That's what we used to say about cigarettes... Don't wait for the science to catch up with reality (though it is catching up fast)... curb your cell phone use.

We increasingly know that cell phone use has a physiological effect on the brain. For example, a recent study showed that cell phone use increases glucose metabolism in the brain. We can no longer argue that cell phones have NO effect on our bodies. The impact that such effects have on our health is still being explored.

People will continue to use cell phones. To expect people to shun them completely is neither realistic nor likely. However, until we know more about the potential health implications of chronic cell phone use, adjusting our cell phone habits would be prudent and wise.

Here are some ways that you can minimize the potential risks of cell phone use:

- Turn cell phones off when not in use. Cell phone emissions are occurring whenever the phone is on, whether it is being used or not.
- Avoid cell phone use when the signal is weak. Emissions increase while the phone is searching for a tower.
- Store cell phones away from the body in a purse, backpack, or briefcase.
- Use a protective headset that puts distance between the phone and the brain, with corded earphones if possible.
- Engage in texting in lieu of phone calls.
- Avoid cell phone use in children (our neurological systems are still developing throughout childhood. we have no idea how consistent cell phone use may effect neurological development in kids).

FOR MORE INFO: this article was referenced from the Natural Medicine Journal (http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/article_content.asp?edition=1§ion=3&article=199)