Cell phones are to the 2000s what cigarettes were to the 1940s and 50s. Everyone was using them, and no one knew they were deadly. In fact, the tobacco companies paid big bucks to make sure the risks if cigarette smoking remained hidden. Today, the telecommunications industry is going to even greater lengths to make sure you never hear just how harmful cellphones can be for your health. Or, if you do hear about it, to make you think its nothing more than a conspiracy theory. But studies showing just how bad they are for your health are mounting—like this latest one conducted by research at UC Berkeley. These researchers found that using a cell phone for 1,000 hours over a 10- year period was associated with a 60 percent increase in the risk of cancer. That works out to just 17 minutes per day! There aren’t many people who use their cell phone for less than 17 minutes per day – especially now that they’ve started to replace home phones. But I’m especially concerned about the younger generation that’s had these devices glued to their hands since adolescence. Like lung cancer cases that have risen steadily since the 1940s, we could very well be frightening, heartbreaking increase in head and neck tumors in the years to come. But as you know, the problem with cell phones is that we don’t just use them as phones. They’re used as maps, books, calculators, cameras, computers, and everything else you can think of. So, the idea of using them less – or heaven forbid, not at all – won’t go over well with most people. But you don’t have to be most people. Put your phone down. Life doesn’t happen on a phone anyway. It happens when we’re with the people we love doing the things that we love. And after all, those are factors that will help you live a long, happy life.

To a brighter day,

Gerald M. Parker, D.O.

Author Gerald M. Parker, D.O. Dr. Parker has been practicing as a Doctor of Osteopathy for over 30 years in the Amarillo area. He specializes in treating allergies, atherosclerosis, hormones, pain, obesity, and strokes. Dr. Parker has had ample training in the field of stem cell therapy and completed module I and II workshops by the American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians. He is a member of various organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Pain Management and Sclerotherapy, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and American College of Regenerative Medicine. He’s received recognition as a Physician of the Year by the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Physician’s Advisory Board and is on Marquis’ “Who’s Who in the World” and “Who’s Who in Medicine” list. Dr. Parker has shared his expertise on TV shows, such as “The Today Show,” and “That’s Incredible.”