Health Risks of Cell Phones
Posted by admin in Health Risks of Cell Phones on June 19, 2011
Nowadays, cell phones have become an indispensable part of our life so much so that we can’t even think about living a life without this device. You get to see people with a cell phone stuck to their ears everywhere, right from in the balcony of multi-storied building, while crossing the road and even while driving. There is little doubt about the fact that cell phones have revolutionized the field of communication, however, there do exist a few downsides of this technology that we cannot afford to ignore. Unfortunately these health risks of cell phones are not known to all, and that makes the use of this device all the more hazardous.
Risks of Cell Phones to Humans
The first thing that strikes your mind when we talk about the health effects of cell phones is likely to be the harmful radiation coming from these devices which is believed to have some serious effects on our health. While there is no questioning the fact that this radiation is harmful, you need to understand that cell phones affect our body in more than one ways. Discussed below are the some ill-effects of cell phones that you can’t afford to turn a blind eye to.
Cell Phone Radiation and Cancer
Due to the proximity of phones when they are held close to the head, the radiofrequency energy affects the brain. This can lead to malignant brain tumors like gliomas i.e. tumors of the cells that surround the nerve tissues. Even people who use the hands-free option when operating their cell phones are not spared of this ill effect as the chances of cancer – even if mild, do exist. Even salivary glands are sensitive to cell phone radiofrequency energy. On prolonged use of cell phones, these salivary glands can develop tumors. One also has to take into consideration the dangers of cell phone towers when discussing the ill-effects of mobile communications technology.
Cell Phones and Bacteria
Cell phones may just be one of the most scary sources of transporting super bacteria! This may come as a surprise for many, but when one talks on the phone for long or even uses earphones for long, the bacteria in the ear multiply manifold (and it’s not like we need to be reminded of the harmful effects of bacteria). As shocking as it may sound, cell phones that are used by doctors and other health care personnel, may actually carry some super bacteria i.e. bacteria that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Due to the proximity of health care personnel to these super bacteria, there is a chance that they may even be found on their cell phones. Read the rest of this entry »
Cancer Treatment: Radiation Therapy
Cancer cells grow rapidly and cause tumors in the body. Radiation therapy aims at destroying these cancer cells which prevents their growth and spread in the body.
For this purpose, different types of radiation sources such as X-Rays, Gamma Rays, and Particle Beams of electrons, protons or neutrons are used to destroy the cancer cells within the body. This cancer radiation therapy is used to treat patients with almost any type of cancer. Often cancer radiation therapy is also accompanied by other medical treatments that are given to the cancer patients.
The types of radiation therapy are:
* External Radiation – In this method, the cancer patient is given radiation from a machine that is present outside the body. This process does not require the hospitalization of the patient.
* Internal Radiation or Brachytherapy – In this method, small radioactive capsules or tubes are placed inside the patient’s body. These deliver the radiotherapy to those parts of the body that are affected by the cancer cells. This process requires hospitalization of the patient.
* Systemic Radiation – In this method, the radioactive substance is injected into the vein of the cancer patient. The substance then travels through the body of the patient delivering the radiotherapy. This process requires hospitalization of the patient.
* Intra-Operative Radiation – In this method radiotherapy is given to the cancer patients during a surgical procedure. Here, an external beam of radiation is aimed at the area where cancer cells need to be destroyed. This process requires hospitalization of the patient.
Radiation Therapy
External Radiation Therapy sessions are normally treated on an outpatient basis. This means that the patient can go home after the session and need not stay in the hospital during treatment. This treatment is usually spread over a few weeks.
Before beginning the procedure, a simulation session is held where scans are taken to determine the location of the cancer and the ideal method of delivering the radiation beams to the right part of the body.
In the actual radiation therapy session, the patient is asked to lie down in a pre-determined position. This is determined during the simulation session. Then shields and molds are placed around the body to cover the healthy parts of the body. The radiation machine has a linear accelerator arm which then buzzes around the body delivering rays of radiotherapy to the affected body parts. The patient needs to lie still and breathe normally during this time. This takes only a few minutes. Read the rest of this entry »