Health News: Cell Phone Anxiety

Written by Andrea Metcalf for Womensforum.com

Is your cell phone ruling your life?

We’ve all done it before—frantically searched the house for a cell phone only to realize it’s already in hand. Our cell phones have almost become an extension of our arms as we go through our day texting, calling, and browsing socialmedia. This phenomenon of cell phone separation anxiety is affecting more and more of us, especially those who depend on it for business.

Are Cell Phones Dangerous?

Not only does heavy cell phone use infringe on your life, but it may propose a health concern as well. Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy as part of signal sending. Basically, it's a form of radiation. Radiofrequency energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation isn’t the same kind that occurs with X-rays or chemotherapy, however. It is more comparable to the kind of radiation that takes place with microwaves. This doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful—the form of radiation that occurs from cell phone use can heat up your tissue.

The lasting effects of this radiation is still unknown.

Are You Obsessed With Your Cell Phone?

If more than five of these apply, you may need to take a break from your cell phone:

• You carry your cell phone in your hand instead of putting it in your purse
• You keep your cell phone face-up on the table when you’re out to dinner and immediately pick it up when it lights up (talk about a date buzz-kill!)
• You prop your cell phone on your dashboard while driving
• You’ve invested in a waterproof case just so you can take it to the beach
• You sleep with your phone in bed with you instead of keeping it on the nightstand or another part of the bedroom
• You bring it to exercise class and pretend to listen to music
• You glance at your phone expectantly if it hasn’t rang or buzzed in 10 minutes
• You hold your cell phone on your lap even when you’re at the dentist
• You take your cell phone with you even when walking the dog

Put that phone down and go for a walk—just you and your dog. Hit the beach and leave the phone at home, chances are, any calls you miss won’t be as important as enjoying time with your friends and family.

Not only are you enjoying your life more, but you may also be potentially saving yourself from future health concerns.