“Sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation is the emerging health problem of the 21st century. It is imperative health practitioners, governments, schools and parents learn more about it. The human health stakes are significant”. – William Rea, MD
What in the world is EMF? you might be asking. I know this is what used to come to mind when I thought of EMF {I’m totally showing my age right now}. EMFs are electric and magnetic fields of energy (ahem, radiation) sometimes referred to as electrosmog. It’s an invisible (toxic) pollution that is everywhere, but shockingly it’s especially high inside our homes. We all know that our microwaves, smartphones and laptops emit radiation (although most of us try not to think about it), but things you may never even think about are emitting this radiation all around your home. Things like your cordless baby monitor, smoke detectors, smart TV. Actually any “smart” technology appliance you have in your home, or anything that you can control from your phone, is emitting radiation. All of the tablets your kids use, the wireless printer, anything that uses Bluetooth and, of course, your WiFi…it’s ALL releasing EMF. The list goes on. It’s mind boggling. {ugh}
So again, the question arises, what can we do about it? First is put your phone, and more importantly, your kids tablets in airplane mode whenever possible. And absolutely don’t let your kids sleep with their tablets, or phones if they’re old enough, in their beds (or even in their rooms). Kids are more susceptible to EMF pollution than adults, although no one really knows to what extent because we’ve never had children constantly exposed to the levels of EMF around today. We are all one big science experiment at this point. Next, keep your devices out of your bedroom at night, too. (You should already be doing this, remember Day 3). If you normally use your phone as your morning alarm, go dig the old digital clock out of that box in the basement and put it to use. If you can’t find it, head to your local thrift store…they undoubtedly have tons. You get bonus points if it’s battery powered (less radiation) rather than plugs into the wall. Third, turn your WiFi off at night. You’re sleeping, or should be, so you don’t need it. I’m pretty sure they make fancy devices that do this, but my plan is to use the little thingy we make the Christmas lights turn off during the day with. (Side note: Shop your house before you go buy something new. Nine times out of ten you have something that will work, even if it isn’t the perfect thing).
Ideally, you should try to hard line your devices, meaning plug them into the ethernet port on your WiFi modem, rather than use them wirelessly. (This is what we used to have to do in the old days, like 6 years ago). I’m sure you probably have an ethernet cord (or 10) in a drawer somewhere since they used to come with everything. This might be the hardest to implement of them all because we have gotten so accustomed to wireless connectivity. It’s like going to your grandma’s and having to use her old corded, rotary phone when you have a sleek new coldless, push button phone at home…it sucks. {Showing my age again}.
The key thing with EMF is being mindful of it’s presence, which is tricky, since we can’t see it. When we go to buy new things for our homes and our bodies {hello there Apple Watch} we need to think about what it’s impact on our health could be. I think it’s a good place to start.
Light and Love,
♥k