Over the last decade, mobile phones have become a massive part of our lives and have developed in so many ways, earning the ‘smartphone’ name. For us, one of the biggest advancements has been the huge growth in health and fitness apps, which are helping millions of people to live healthier and more active lives. However, many people are concerned, and sometimes rightfully so, that these pocket computers are not always great for our health.
In the last year the coronavirus pandemic has also resulted in a massive rise in mobile phone use, with children getting school assignments on homework apps, workers conducting Zoom and Team meetings on mobiles, and elderly people using them more to keep in contact with children and carers, and also for personal entertainment – this has even led to a rise in phones designed for elderly people in mind, such as the Snapfon range of big buttoned, easy to read phones – here you can see all cell phones for dementia that are currently on the market.
How are phones unhealthy? From negative effect of wireless internet signals during your deep sleep, bright screens, and radiation, are all detrimental to our health. To help reduce any potential harm to your health, here are a few tips and habits to better use your mobile.
Keep Your Mobile Away from Your Body
Apart from the shabby look, keeping your phone in your bra as a woman or your front shirt pocket as a man is not a good idea. Aim to have your phone less on your body, as the sending and receiving signals through erratic radiation may cause impaired fertility for men and breast cancer for women. It is recommended to keep your phone as far as possible to your body whenever possible. Switching it to airplane mode whenever activity is not expected, and on again when you need to.
Keep Your Phone Away from Your Face
The cell phone was invented to make phone calls and put it on your ear. Nowadays, it is used for many other reasons but calling, and as a result of new technology and internet signal features, it can be harmful to your health. Smartphones today, it is a legal requirement to have safety information available for users under ‘settings.’
The legal information contained stipulates FCC exposure guidelines for using the phone when close to the body, like the antenna position. Headsets or the speakerphone are recommended functionalities when making or receiving calls.
Invest in Radiation Protective Cover Cases
A phone case is meant to protect your phone from external damage and looks aesthetically good for mirror selfies. Not all covers are created equal; some are merely soft and look good, whereas others are hard metal cases.
Amongst other cases, metal cases are suggested to weaken the phone’s signal while increasing radiation. The solution is to invest in a quality cover that won’t affect radiation, instead get one that will organize the radioactivity and deflect them away from you, keeping them away from harm.
Use ‘Night Mode’ in The Evening
Perhaps you may have heard how blue light impairs your sleep ability at night, which is projected by all electronic screens. The light tricks our brains to think it is still daylight. Unlike monk seals, bats, or owls, as humans, we are meant to sleep at night when it’s dark and awake during the daytime. Apart from impaired sleep, our hormones are affected by blue light exposure, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Sufficient sleep is essential to how we operate during the day, and improper sleep only means drowsy days. Mobile phones are now equipped with a night mode functionality, which turns your device screen from bright blue light to an orange tone, preventing the blue light effect before you sleep. Get in the habit of turning night mode on for a healthier sleep routine.