Healthy Pregnency Tips

7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important: not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person ? your baby. Here's 7 tips to help you along the way.



1.If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome than babies of non-smokers. Sometimes mothers feel having a low birth weight baby could be an advantage as it will make the baby easy to deliver. This is not necessarily the case, as it may lead to an emergency delivery, which can result in all sorts of complications. Even if you are already pregnant, stopping smoking will benefit the baby for the rest of your pregnancy. It is not only the baby who benefits. You are likely to suffer from less morning sickness, experience fewer complications and have a more contented baby after the birth.



2. It is also important to pay attention to your diet. Many women feel they should ?eat for two?, but research has shown that women only need an extra 200-300 calories a day while pregnant, and you may be eating those extra calories anyway. What is important is to ensure that you get the protein, vitamins and minerals necessary to build another human being. Those extra 200-300 calories should not be squandered on chocolate or crisps, but should be eaten as fruit, vegetables, etc. It is also important to increase your water intake, which will help avoid constipation.



3. It is generally a good idea to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement too. There are now ones specially formulated for pregnant women. Ideally these should be started before you become pregnant, so that you are in the best shape possible for the pregnancy, and then continued throughout your pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is important right from conception. For example, a deficiency of one of the B vitamins, folic acid, in the first month of pregnancy may lead to the baby being born with a cleft lip, congenital heart disease or spina bifida. Omega-3 fatty acids (obtained by eating oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and spirulina, or taken as a supplement) are important for the development of the baby?s eyes and brain. Omega-3 also reduces the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression.



4. Nobody knows how much alcohol it is safe to consume during pregnancy, so many health experts feel it is better to avoid alcohol entirely for the sake of the baby. This can seem hard on the pregnant woman when everyone else is drinking, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a poison for the growing baby, and no caring mother willingly gives her baby poison.



5. Pregnancy is not a time to sit still. Although adequate rest is vitally important, most experts believe that healthy pregnant women should be taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.



6. It is also important to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant, so spending a lot of time painting the house and laying new carpets is not a good idea, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby is particularly vulnerable.



7. Many women find pregnancy stressful, and this can be a particularly good time to turn to safe, non-invasive options such as Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, kinesiology and other therapies.



Making a new life is something miraculous. Doing the best you can for that new life starts long before you have the baby in your arms for the first time.

HEART ATTACK PREVENTION TIPS

Author: Raymond Lee

Top 7 Tips To Prevent Heart Attack

Heart attack. The words alone can send a chill down even the strongest man's spine, and with good reason. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for Americans. Men have a greater risk of heart attack at a younger age than women. But the risk increases for women as they near menopause and, eventually, surpasses that of men. If the nicest thing we can say about someone is that he has a good heart, the most important thing we can say is that he has a healthy heart. You probably can decrease your risk of heart attack by changing your lifestyle in the following areas:

1. Keep tabs on your cholesterol levels

To control your cholesterol, avoid saturated fat, eat fewer calories, and try to eat foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits. If your cholesterol is very high, drugs to lower it may be an option for you.

2. Ask your doctor about aspirin

Daily intake of aspirin may reduce your risk of heart attack by thinning your blood and preventing clots from forming. However, you should talk with your doctor before doing so because aspirin is not safe for everyone.

3. Drink moderately

Studies show that one drink a day (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor) may have a protective effect on your heart. However, the effects are more beneficial if you are middle-aged or older and have suffered a heart attack or stroke or already have cardiovascular disease.

4. Exercise

Regular exercise is good for you because it helps reduce stress, cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and excess weight, and it can make your heart stronger, leading to a lower pulse rate. But overdoing exercise isn't a good thing, especially weight-lifting exercises that can trigger heart attacks. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

5. Relax

Because stress is such a factor in heart disease, eliminating or decreasing it can do wonders for your cardiovascular health.

6. Control your blood pressure

Your heart has to work harder to push blood through your body when your blood pressure is high. This causes your heart to enlarge and can speed up atherosclerosis. Fortunately, by reducing your diastolic blood pressure by only 2mm Hg (millimeters per mercury), you can decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The average healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.

7. Stop smoking

Smoking is harmful to your cardiovascular health. Smoking also clogs your arteries and in the process, raises the blood pressure in those clogged arteries. This condition helps to double the heart attack risk for smokers compared with non-smokers. Therefore, as soon as you stop, your body immediately starts to bounce back and improve your cardiovascular health.

About the Author

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts."

PEDIATRIC TIPS

Pediatric Tips

Fever

Cool Bath for Fever Reduction
A cool bath can help reduce a fever. Make sure the water is not too cold as a sudden drop in body temperature, especially in children, can cause a seizure.

Definition of a Fever
A fever is defined as a rise in body temperature to 100 degrees or more orally. Do not administer fever reducing medications for temperatures of less than 100 degrees.

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Fever and Teething - It's a Myth
A common myth is that a baby will run a fever when teething. (Keep in mind that a fever is a temperature of 101 degrees or more rectally.)

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Fever Relief
When children are achy and fussy with fevers, besides giving them an over-the-counter medicine, there are other ways you can help them feel better.

Give your child plenty to drink to prevent dehydration and help the body cool itself.
Keep the room temperature at about 70 to 74 degrees.
Dress your child in light cotton pajamas so that body heat can escape.
If your child is chilled, add an extra blanket, but remove it when the chill stops.

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Ibuprofen as Fever Reducer
Ibuprofen (Motrin) is a better fever reducer than acetaminophen (Tylenol). Only administer for oral temperatures over 100 degrees.

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No Aspirin for Fever
DO NOT give children aspirin products as a fever reducer. The use of aspirin in children is associated with the often fatal condition Reye's Syndrome.

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Pediatrics - General Information

Baking Soda as Powder Replacement
Baking soda is better than talcum powder to use on babies. It keeps them drier.

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BRAT Diet
If your child has diarrhea, try the BRAT diet to prevent dehydration and help solidify bodily waste. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Tea.

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Burp the Colicky Baby
Some colicky babies have more than the usual amount of gas and may be more difficult to burp. Feed the baby in an upright position and burp after every ounce, if bottle-feeding. You can also experiment with different nipple types.

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Children with Motion Restrictions
Adapt the environment to meet the needs of a disabled child. Consider the texture and fabric to avoid buying clothes that further restrict movements. Try using an inflatable baby pool with towels stacked as pillows for support. This can provide your child with freedom and independence.

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Children's Eyes Need Protection from Sun's Rays
Nearly half of American parents don't regularly provide their children with sunglasses that protect their eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. And that oversight is setting the kids up for potential vision problems later in life. The sun is as much a threat to your eyes as it is to your skin. Sunburned corneas, cancer of the eyelid, cataracts and macular degeneration are among the eye problems caused or aggravated by too much UV exposure.

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Colic and Allergies/Asthma
All babies fuss and cry from time to time, but some babies cry excessively. Maybe they have gas, maybe they are in pain, maybe they are hungry. Or maybe they are developing allergies and/or asthma.

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Colic Carry
If your baby has colic, try the colic carry. Extend your forearm with your palm up. Then place the baby, chest down, on your arm with his head in your hand and his legs on either side of your elbow. Support the baby with your other hand and walk around to help soothe him.

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Diaper Rash Tips
Give the baby's bottom as much air as possible.
Don't dry the affected area with a towel. It can irritate the skin even more. Blow dry your baby's bottom with a blow dryer set on low. Be very careful!
Use super absorbent diapers.
If you use cloth diapers, add vinegar to the final rinse - 1 ounce of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
For older babies, give 2 to 3 ounces of cranberry juice which will lower urinary pH and reduce irritation.

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Hospitalization Can Traumatize a Child
A stint in the hospital can traumatize a child for months. Caretakers need to focus more attention on the psychological impact of hospitalization. Psychological support services are essential.

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Infant Walkers Delay Movement Milestones
A new study adds to growing evidence that baby walkers can slow infants' motor skill development, delaying such milestones as crawling, standing alone and walking.
Infant walkers are wheeled seats that allow a baby's feet to touch the floor and move the walker around. The seat is surrounded by a frame, and many parents have seen the walkers as a safe way for infants to develop movement skills.
But recent research has indicated the devices are neither safe nor useful for encouraging walking and other skills. In fact, serious injuries--usually due to falls down stairs--have been reported, and studies have suggested walkers actually hinder babies' motor skill development. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on mobile infant walkers in the US.

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Pacifier Safety
1. To prevent strangulation, no ribbon, string, cord, or yarn should be attached to a pacifier.
2. The shield should be large enough and firm enough to not fit in a child's mouth.
3. The guard or shield should have ventilation holes so the baby can breath if the shield does get into the mouth.
4. The pacifier nipple should have no holes or tears that might cause it to break off in baby's mouth.

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Rash Prevention
Visitor tip: When my son was a baby he got heat rash on his little face, my doctor told me to sprinkle baking soda on his sheets because it would keep him from lying in his drool. It worked!

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Smelly Feet
Sprinkle a little baking soda into the sleeper feet of children’s pajamas after they come out of the dryer to avoid "smelly feet."

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Spanking Does More Harm Than Good
While spanking may make children more compliant, it can also lead to very negative behaviors including aggression, defiance and isolationism.

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Sunburned Kids
Put sunburned kids (or yourself) in a cool (not cold) baking soda bath for half an hour. This also works well for chicken pox and mosquito bites.

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Tasty Teether
Wrap a piece of cold apple in a moistened, baby-size washcloth and use this as a substitute for the usual teething ring. Your baby is more likely to chew on the apple than a tasteless teether.

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What Parents Can Do to Prevent Sports Injuries
Since the majority of youth sports coaches are not required by their club or league to have any type of safety training, you should:

Learn about the safety risks of the sport your child plays. You may have heard the ad slogan "An educated consumer is our best customer." It applies to sports programs as much as to buying clothes or furniture. Parents who are aware of the risks of the sport their child plays can do a lot to minimize its hazards.

Lobby local youth sports groups to make training available and require that all coaches participate and complete the programs in order to coach.

Insist that the training for all youth coaches cover three areas: sport-specific first aid, CPR, and skill development, with an emphasis on coaching safe playing techniques (such as the proper way to head a soccer ball).

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What to Do When You're Overwhelmed with Child Care
When you're overwhelmed with child care, make sure the child is safe, then try one or more of the following:

Call a friend, family member or babysitter to watch your child so that you can have some time to yourself.
Take several deep breaths.
Close your eyes and put yourself in your child's place.
Slowly count to 100.
Splash water on your face.
Call a help line such as Parents Anonymous.
Hug a pillow.
Get a drink of water.
Go for a walk.
Write down as many helpful, positive words as you can think of. Save the list.
Try to remember all the times you have been proud of this child.
Change the situation: do a different activity with the child.
After calming down, compliment yourself on being a great parent.

BLOOD PRESSURE TIPS

High Blood Pressure Tips

Tips to help you control your high blood pressure Make sure your blood pressure is under 140/90 mm Hg If you have diabetes it is even more important to maintain your blood pressure at an acceptable level, which reduces long-term complications associated with this disease process. You should be receiving regular monitoring and advice from you GP/diabetic practitioner. Aim for a healthy weight Ideally try not to gain extra weight in the first place, if you have then try to lose the weight slowly, at about half to one pound a week until you reach a healthy target. This can be easier to achieve if you include exercise as well to burn off those unwanted calories and tone your body as you lose the weight. If you are overweight or obese, carrying this extra weight increases your risk of high blood pressure because the heart has to work very hard to keep blood circulating efficiently. Exercise - be active every day! Even the simplest exercise will help; you can walk, dance, use the stairs, play sports, or do any activity you enjoy. For instance: get off the bus one or two stops early; park your car at the other end of the car park and walk; walk or cycle to the corner shop. Being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent or control high blood pressure and will help you keep your weight down. It will also help to reduce your risk of heart disease and enhances overall wellbeing. All you need to do is 30 minutes of moderate level activity preferably every day of the week - you can even divide the 30 minutes into shorter 10 minute periods if you are not used to regular exercise. Exercise does not have to be strenuous; you should start slowly and build up the amount of exercise that you do. It is not advisable, however, to lift heavy weights or to take on certain strenuous activities if exercise has not been gradually and appropriately introduced. If you are worried that your health could be adversely affected by exercise, i.e. you have a heart complaint; make sure that you are reviewed by your GP. Look at what you are eating. Does it contain a lot of sodium? It is suggested that no more than 2.4 grams of sodium should be consumed per day. Read the labels and be aware of hidden sodium, which is known to increase blood pressure. Try not to add salt to your meals. Eat more fruit and vegetables Eating more fiber should help to stop you feeling hungry and less likely to pick at sweets, chocolate and crisps etc. Stop/reduce smoking - smoking causes the blood to thicken Not only does this make you more at risk of developing a dangerous blood clot but it makes the heart work harder in order to 'push' the blood around the system to provide oxygen and other important components. Reduce your stress levels Take time out for yourself each day to do something you like to do without feeling guilty. If there are any problems worrying you try talking them over with a friend, or someone you trust, this is often all that is needed to make you feel better. Also remember if you wear a smile, it will rub off on others. Try it and see! Watch your alcohol intake Keep the amount of units you consume to a minimum, as your body works hard to flush it out of your system and this will have an effect on your blood pressure (plus it will increase your weight). It is recommended that men limit themselves to no more than one or two drinks per day and women should have no more than one drink per day Take medication correctly If you have been prescribed medication from your GP to control your blood pressure, make sure that you take the medication correctly and visit your GP regularly for your blood pressure to be monitored effectively.

DIABETES HEALTH TIPS

Diabetes Health Tips

Diabetes - General Information Artificial Pancreas Safe, Effective in Early Study An "artificial pancreas" designed to deliver the key blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin to diabetic patients without the need for injections has been found safe and effective in a preliminary study with ten patients. The device is an insulin reservoir, implanted in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity and connected to a sensor implanted in the jugular vein. The reservoir requires insulin refills every month or so. When the sensor detects an increase in blood glucose, the reservoir delivers the required amount of insulin. Blood Glucose Testing Most insurances now pay for diabetics to have blood glucose monitoring equipment in the home. Keeping the machines clean and in good working order are vital for accurate results. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance. Blood Glucose Testing Tip Be sure hands are clean before performing the test, but don't use alcohol to cleanse your fingertip. It's drying and may cause fingertips to crack. Wash hands with a mild antibacterial soap like Dial. Diabetes Test After Heart Attack Shows Future Risk Testing patients who have had heart attacks for signs of diabetes before they leave the hospital may identify those with the highest risk of future heart attacks. Many people hospitalized for a heart attack have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, a term coined to describe the millions of overweight and obese people who have blood sugar levels suggesting an elevated risk of full-blown diabetes. Medications, exercise and diet changes, all of which can restore normal glucose levels, may reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients who have already had a heart attack. Diabetic Dental Care Immaculate mouth care is a must. Diabetics are much more prone to gum disease. More frequent dental visits may be needed and careful brushing and flossing are a necessity. Avoid ill-fitting dentures that may cause mouth sores. Diabetic Eye Care If you're a diabetic, regular visits to your eye care professional are a must to prevent problems that could lead to blindness. Diabetic Foot Care Tips * Take the pressure off your feet by losing weight if you are obese. * Inspect your feet at least once per day. If you can't see well, ask someone to do it for you. * Wash feet with mild soap and lukewarm water daily. * Wear white cotton socks rather than synthetic ones with dyes. * Don't go barefoot or wear ill-fitting shoes. * See a podiatrist regularly for toenail trims and other routine maintenance. Diabetics Are Prone to Foot Problems Diabetics have decreased sensation and circulation in their feet making them prone to foot infections/wounds that could eventually lead to amputation. Drug Could Delay Diabetes Acarbose, a drug that blocks the digestion of starch, could prevent or delay the development of the most common form of diabetes in those with slightly high blood sugar. Exercises to Avoid Diabetics should avoid exercises that involve pushing or pulling heavy objects and lifting weights. Blood sugar levels and blood pressure are raised during this kind of exercise. FDA Approves New Sweetener Neotame A non-nutritive sweetener said to be 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed as an additive in candies, soft drinks and various other products. Like other familiar sweeteners, Neotame is a white crystalline powder that dissolves in water. It is made by Monsanto, which also makes NutraSweet's sweetener Equal. Neotame is approved for use in baked goods, nonalcoholic beverages, chewing gum, confections, frozen desserts, gelatins and puddings, jams, jellies, fruit, juices, toppings and syrups. The FDA declared the product to be safe for consumption after reviewing more than 113 animal and human studies, some of which looked at any possible links with cancer-causing or neurological side effects. Inhaled Insulin Inhaled insulin may soon offer an alternative to needles for people with diabetes. Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based company, has ongoing clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of an electronic pulmonary insulin system. They say it may be available in the United States and Europe within a few years. This is the first electronic pulmonary insulin system currently being tested in clinical trials. It works by converting a special liquid insulin into aerosol particles, which are inhaled into the lungs. Regular Exercise Is a Must Exercise is extremely important for diabetics as it strengthens the cardiovascular system, increases circulation to the arms and legs and helps control blood sugar levels. Walking, jogging, rowing and swimming are best. Shoes for Diabetics * Avoid plastic shoes and waterproof shoes. They encourage perspiration and fungal growth. * Avoid tight or unventilated footwear. * Don't wear boots all day. * Choose cotton or leather shoes. * Wear sandals as much as possible in the summer. * Don't wear the same shoes two days in a row. * Air shoes in the sun to inhibit fungal growth. Small, Frequent Meals Diabetics should follow their American Diabetic Association diet and eat small meals more frequently such as three small meals with one or two healthful snacks between meals. This helps maintain a more stable blood sugar level. Treatment of Hyperglycemia Some symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are: excessive urination, weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor. Treatment of Hypoglycemia Some symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are: cool, clammy skin, numbness of the mouth, a fluttering in your chest, hunger and feeling faint. Emergency treatment includes ingesting something containing sugar like orange juice, a candy bar, or sugared soda pop. Follow that with some cheese or peanut butter crackers to sustain your blood sugar level. What's an Exchange? In an exchange diet, foods that are similar are grouped together. Serving sizes are well defined so that each will have the same amount of carbohydrate, fat, and protein as any other. Foods can be "exchanged" or traded with others in a category while still meeting the desired overall goals. Exchanges can be applied to most any eating situation and may make it easier to follow a prescribed diet. For example, if a nutrition plan calls for one starch exchange a person could choose 1/2 cup of cooked pasta, OR one slice of bread, OR a small (3 oz.) baked potato

GOOD HEALTH TIPS

What are the ways to stay healthy? Eating a diet that is low on fat, high on fibre with adequate servings of fresh vegetables and fruits is known to prevent health complications and many common illnesses. Such a diet is even known to combat some forms of cancer... more >> Health is wealth When we are young, we tend to exhibit over confidence about our state of health and we ignore what seem to be minor ailments. A visit to the doctor is a big no-no unless one is so sick more>> Counting sheep in order to sleep Are you aware that with less sleep your workouts will be less effective and that your body will be more likely to store fat? It is a vicious cycle. You get prone to stress, which in turn, makes you resort to food to soothe and comfort yourself. more>> Eating with awareness Good eating habits are a strong foundation to good health. It's important to eat what you like and also to experiment with a variety of new foods. more>> Stop Smoking Are you huffing and puffing your life away? The New Year spells a new beginning. A good time to start afresh. Out with the stale air and in with the fresh. more>> Fit in water in your busy schedule Water is a great cleanser. When consumed in sufficient quantities, it washes off toxins from within your body. Adequate intake of water tones up your skin. more>> Apply the brakes on ageing Ageing is a natural process and therefore inevitable. more >> Maximize the healing power of garlic Want to fight cancer when you cook garlic? The secret is peeling the cloves and leave it aside for 15 minutes. more>> How to take care of your feet? Examine your feet daily for injury blisters, cracks, scratches. more>> Tips for your kid’s health Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 and apply it thirty minutes before your child goes outside. more>> Health tips for you and your husband Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your family against UVA (the 'ageing' rays) and UVB (the 'burning' rays) with a SPF of at least 15. more>> Health and safety tips for teenagers Bike helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. more>> Practical tips to help forgetfulnes Have you been ticked off by friends for not wishing them on their birthdays or anniversaries? Have you angered relatives for not calling them when they were sick or were shifting and needed help? Did you forget to send flowers to the boss on his anniversary? more>> Oxygen a day keeps the pollution away! Monday morning blues? Or Sunday morning hangovers? Head to these oxygen pubs and breathe the freshest air available in the city. But don't forget. A breath of this fresh oxygen can cost you a tidy sum. Let's hope it doesn't take your breath away. more>> Snacking well may slow aging Do you love to snack? That could pay off and help you stay in good health as you grow older. more>> Bad sleeping habits The way that you sleep could affect your health. We might be doing all the wrong things and then wondering why we are not healthy and full of vitality. Something as basic as the way you sleep could be a deciding factor as far as your health is concerned. more>> Tips to relieve tension Here is a step-by-step guide on how to ease that tension out of your body. Firstly, fool your body into thinking you’re feeling great. more>> Hair fall Battle against growing baldness is a common feature today, the world over. While there are many theories to explain the cause behind this common phenomenon, solutions to override this problem are not very forthcoming. more>>

MOBILE PHONE HEALTH TIPS

Mobile Phones and Health issues Cell phone and Health Problems
One of the most common sights we see these days, is that of people with their mobile phones next to their ears. A boon for better communication, cell phone usage nonetheless has many health hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely harmful, causing genetic damage, tumors, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into account all these factors..


CELL PHONES AND HEALTH PROBLEMS
Though there is no evidence of cell phones causing cancer or any such illness, but the suspicion, or fear of the same is not baseless either. The electromagnetic radiation from cell phones does have a potential link to cancer. The fact that this radiation is invisible, intangible, and enters and leaves our bodies without our knowledge makes it even more intimidating. Possible hazards:
Two minutes of exposure to emissions from mobile phones can disable a safety barrier in blood causing proteins and toxins to leak into the brain, could increase chances of developing Alzheimer's multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's. (Scientists at Sweden's Lund University)
Scientists say exposure to the phones' low-level radiation causes red blood cells to leak hemoglobin and can lead to heart disease and kidney stones.
Recent studies suggesting a link between cell-phone use and brain tumors, and the possibility that the microwaves could ignite petroleum fumes at gas stations.
A cell phone unit, or communications tower, has so many of thee radiation emanating gadgets. This can be a problem for its immediate environment.


SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS
Cancer / Tumors Studies have been conducted suggesting that rats that have been exposed to microwaves similar to the sort generated by mobile phones but more powerful, showed breaks in their DNA which could indicate an adverse effect. Also, mice exposed to radiation for 18 months developed brain tumors. Though of course, these studies are not concrete proof. Blood Pressure It was observed that people using cell phones were prone to high blood pressure. Again, there isn't any concrete evidence of the same. Pregnancy A study at the University of Montpellier in France was carried out on 6000 chick embryos and suggested that the heavily exposed chick eggs were five times less likely to survive than the control group. This study raised questions about possible effects on pregnant women but it has not yet appeared in peer-reviewed scientific literature or been reproduced, so its findings are difficult to assess.Headaches, Heating Effects, Fatigue A study brought out that longer the people used mobile phones, the more likely they were to report symptoms such as hot ears, burning skin, headaches and fatigue. The study did not include a control group (that is people who do not use mobile phones, to make a comparison); therefore the symptoms reported could have been caused by any number of other factors in the mobile phones users' environment, such as working with computers, stress, driving or reading. Memory There have been various studies into the connection between mobile phones and memory loss. A study looked into the effect of radiofrequency (RF) on the section of rats' brains that is linked with the memory. The results showed that RF could modify signals in the cells in a part of the brain that is responsible for learning and short term memory. Posture (holding phone between raised shoulder and ear) Some researchers claim that holding a mobile phone between the raised shoulder and the ear could have a damaging effect on muscles, bones, tendons and discs. These problems would apply equally to a cordless phone or a landline phone as to a mobile phone and are the effect of bad posture. Mobile Phones and Children Because of their smaller heads, thinner skulls and higher tissue conductivity, children may absorb more energy from a given phone than adults.


PREVENTION TIPS
Cell phones should be used for emergencies, and not for long conversations.
A small chip-like cell phone microwave radiation protection device is available, which has the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy waves from your mobile phone. It helps in reducing the potential harmful effects of these emissions to the human body.
Using a mobile headset is a good idea, you don't have to hold phones next to your ears all the time
Use a hands free mobile car kit while driving, without taking your hands off the steering wheel


THE WHO (World Health Organisation) RULES
Mobile phone users should limit their exposure to harmful radio frequencies by cutting the length of calls.
Hands-free devices cut exposure by keeping the instrument away from the head and body.
Driving cum mobile phone talking should be banned.
Mobile phones should not be used in Intensive Care Units of hospitals as they can pose a danger to patients by interfering with the working of pacemakers and defibrillators.
People with hearing aids should not use mobile phones.
Base stations, which have low powered antennae on their terrace to communicate with cell phones, should not be located near children's schools and playgrounds.


CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING
Studies indicate that a lot of car accidents have happened, while the driver was on the phone. This is because while driving, one obviously needs to concentrate, and talking on a phone doesn't help. Some countries like Portugal have banned the use of cell phones, which may not be very practical, as their main use is to be reachable while you are on the move. Thus, it is important to take certain precautions while driving:
Position your phone within easy reach so that you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
Get to know the features of your cell phone - speed dial, redial, voice mail, they can be your lifesaver. But don't dial and drive at the same time. Use a hands free kit.
Avoid using a phone when road conditions are hazardous or traffic is heavy. You can let your voice mail take messages and then call back later.
Don't engage in stressful conversations that may distract your attention from the road.
Don't take notes or look up phone numbers whilst driving, wait till you can pull over.
User abbreviated speed dialing. In fact, voice activated dialing is even better. It leaves both hands free. Frequently called numbers can be programmed.
Have an answering machine installed that could take messages until you can return the calls. Let your co-passenger handle the calls if you are not travelling alone.
Globalisation is the new mantra. In this age, it is very difficult not to have technology. But with technology, come certain hazards. The only way to beat these is again, better technology. Electromagnetic radiation is everywhere. More and more wireless communication services (cellular phones, paging, wireless Internet) are expected so is the artificial electromagnetic radiation. It seems that there is no way to reverse this trend. Scientists and engineers are developing better and safer wireless systems and devices. Smaller cell size, better base station antennas and other more advanced technologies will allow future cell phones to radiate much lower power. So one can only hope that cell phone hazards will be reduced.Curtsy www compareindia com