Have a loved one with a pacemaker or defibrillator? Here’s something they need to know.
Your tech could interfere with medical implants — How to stay safe
Most of us know someone with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators — and I’m willing to bet those people use tech in their everyday lives.
Here’s the scary news: Magnetic fields from everyday tech can cause life-saving devices to malfunction. Yes, iPhones are on the list, but so are iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, Macs, HomePods and Beats.
Don’t think for a minute that this issue is limited to Apple products. Android phones or any brand of earbuds, wireless headphones or smart watches could cause problems, too.
📏 Remember the six-inch rule. Keep this distance between your pacemaker or defib and electronics. Make it eight inches to be on the safe side.
What about your head?
Some studies found a possible link between cellphone use and cancer, especially brain tumors. Other studies say pressing a phone to your head is fine. Nope.
Your phone emits radiofrequency radiation even when you’re not using it because it’s always in contact with the nearest cellphone tower.
While the FCC and FDA say there’s no consistent scientific proof that cellphone radiation causes cancer, they’re basing that decision on data collected 20 years ago. I know, right?!
Some steps to take now
- Never put a cellphone to your ear. Use speakerphone.
- Use your phone only when it has good reception. Radiation levels are higher when the phone works harder to get a signal.
- Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are OK because they use a lower power level.
- Women: Don’t put your phone in your bra. Men: Don’t carry your phone in your pants pocket. Here’s why.
There are other ways to minimize your exposure to cellphone radiation. I’ve got your back here.
❤️ My brother and two friends have pacemakers. I texted them this life-saving information. If you know anyone with a pacemaker or defibrillator, you should share, too.
Cellphone risks you and your loved ones need to know about
Just carrying around a smartphone puts your security at risk, but there are ways to minimize this. Here’s one common practice that you need to put a stop to.
The dangers don’t stop there. Cellphones can pose a risk to your very health. Here’s how.
🦾 The ultimate brainchild: Elon Musk’s Neuralink is moving to the next phase of human testing: A brain implant and robotic arm to help people with paralysis control devices using just their thoughts. Two patients in the U.S. are testing it, and Canada is recruiting six more. I had such a good chat with the very first Neuralink patient.
All the Apple devices you must keep away from pacemakers (full list)
Technology has become so intricate that it often interferes with other devices. The internal components are so sensitive to external forces that it can cause them to malfunction or be severely damaged. The last thing you want is for technology to interfere with the proper operation of medical implants.