An interesting well put together video for fellow coffee lovers.

As many of us have often wondered, what kind of long term affects could come with cell phone usage. As we become more and more reliant on these devices we should also be aware of any side effects they may cause. I am often quick to think the news media sensationalizes this kind of information but there are some good things you can do to potentially protect yourself from any of the microwave radiation coming from your cell phone device. We often learn years later the things we have been doing are having negative effects on us and read more about what the WHO and some physicians are saying.

As I continued to read more about the recent press release by the WHO, I have noted several others pointing out just how impacting these statements really should be. The bottom line to note is that it is possible and thats the key word “possible”. As Phil Plait points out in his recent post, “Why I’m (still) not worried about my cell phone hurting my brain”, there just is nothing which shows cell phones are cancerous. The WHO categorized cell phones into the Group 2B category, meaning they are “possibly” carcinogenic. Ed Yong’s take on the WHO’s verdict should be given some thought as well and he uses some nice data to support his perspective.

The obvious response to the WHO press release shouldn’t be one of panic or worry, the bottom line is we really don’t know yet. Most studies out just don’t have enough data to draw any definite conclusions. As you would expect there are plenty of people concerned with this potential issue that given some time, there will be a outpouring of information when conclusive results are discovered.

If you are anything like me, you enjoy watching documentaries and videos based on social and scientific research. The following video is a lecture from Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology. He explores what he truly believes is causing the rapid growth rate of obesity in America. Bookmark this video if you don’t have time to watch it now, it is 90 min. long, but please come back and watch it in its entirity. I promise, you will learn something. Also I would love to hear what colleagues of mine in the medical field have to say about Dr. Lustig’s work.

I am definitely late to the party since Dr. Lustig posted this video back in 2009, but was made aware after his video was referenced in a recent NYT article. This is definitely a conversation worth having as I see it. Kids and adults alike are growing ever more addicted to soft drinks and foods stuffed full of preservatives and sugar. Take a look at the video and article and tell me your thoughts.