Features
Cellular phones and their negatives
The use of digital technology has grown rapidly during the last couple of decades. During use, mobile phones and cordless phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. No previous generation has been exposed during childhood and adolescence to this kind of radiation. The brain is the main target organ for RF emissions from the handheld wireless phone.
An evaluation of the scientific evidence on the brain tumor risk was made in May 2011 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at the World Health Organisation. The scientific panel
reached the conclusion that RF radiation from devices that emit nonionising RF radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz-300 GHz is a Group 2B, that is, a “possible” human carcinogen.
With respect to health implications of digital (wireless) technologies, it is of importance that neurological diseases, physiological addiction, cognition, sleep, and behavioral problems are considered in addition to cancer. Well-being needs to be carefully evaluated as an effect of changed behaviour in children and adolescents through their interactions with modern digital
technologies.
Furthermore, research conducted by Hardell (2018) about the impact of mobile phones on children and adolescent health discovered that brain development is very sensitive to poisons.
The urgency of using the mobile phone by adults near young children may increase their attraction to the experience of using it, as well as many adults allow them to hold it to play or fun, and this enhances the likelihood of the child continue using the mobile phone in the period of growth and development and until attaining the age of majority.
Because the children use mobile for longer time when they grow older various health problems such as neurological diseases, physiological
addiction, and cognition and sleep disturbances have also found to be associated with the constant use of mobile phones. Although diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM) 5 does not include any criteria for problematic use of technology, a study in 2016, based on the core symptoms of substance use disorders, gives the following as proposed diagnostic criteria for smartphone addiction.
Global health today is facing a major challenge in the form of addictions. Mobile phones, as a telecommunication device, are highly capable of increasing the diversity of information and entertainments available to individuals and organisations around the world. Nowadays, with the emergence of new technologies in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), a myriad of problems related to communication and information have been resolved, the path to reaching the latest news and information in the shortest time is now available, and cyberspace has created new frontiers in social communication.
One of these technologies is mobile phones, which is a rapidly growing phenomenon in the world, so that the number of its subscribers in some countries has exceeded their populations. At the same time, more and more epidemiological studies indicate an increasing connection between mobile phone use and brain tumors in humans. The time length of cancer development after cellular damage may be many years depending on the animal and the type of cancer.
Aim of this European multicenter case-control study was to assess the association between the incidence of seven types of rare cancers (small bowel carcinoid tumour, uveal melanoma, mycosis fungoides, thymoma, male breast cancer, gallbladder cancer) and occupational exposures. This article presents information about lawsuits against mobile phone industry. The class action lawsuits are starting to pile up against mobile phone industry.
In August of 2001, a 41-year old Maryland neurologist, Christopher Newman, claimed that his brain tumor was caused by frequent cell phone usage, and served an $800 million suit against the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet. The intensive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) especially occurs in adolescents and youth population. This use can have negative consequences that should be considered.
The aim of this study was to explore the general and problematic uses of the most popular ICTs among adolescents from Alicante (Spain): Internet, mobile phone and video games. Since the International Agency for Research on Cancer recently classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emanating from mobile and cordless phones, as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B), two additional reports relevant to the topic have been published.
Both articles were new updates of a Danish cohort on mobile phone subscribers and concern the possible association. For years, radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) radiations have been applied in the modern world. The rapidly increasing use of cellular phones called recent attention to the possible health risks of RF/MW exposures. In 2011, a group of international experts organised by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon) concluded that
RF/MW radiations should be listed as a possible carcinogen. We live in a dense field of electromagnetic radiation today. It is estimated that this field is up to 200 times stronger than it was a 100 years ago. Power lines, radars, transmitters, electrical appliances, mobile phones, televisions, digital watches, CD/radio players, computers and wireless internet all produce electromagnetic fields, and the problem of electromagnetic “pollution” grows further.
• Robert Grimmond-Thompson
Features
The power of change: Understanding the process and catalysts
CHANGE is an inevitable and essential aspect of life, shaping individuals, organizations, and societies. It can be transformative, leading to growth, innovation, and progress. But how is change created?
This comprehensive article explores the process and catalysts of change.
The Change Process
The change process involves several stages:
1. Awareness: Recognising the need for change.
2. Assessment: Evaluating the current state.
3. Visioning: Envisioning the desired future state.
4. Planning: Developing strategies and action plans.
5. Implementation: Executing the plan.
6. Evaluation: Monitoring progress and making adjustments.
Catalysts of Change
Several factors can catalyse change:
1. Internal Motivation: Personal or organisational desire for improvement.
2. External Pressures: Market trends, technological advancements, or regulatory requirements.
3. Leadership: Visionary leaders driving change.
4. Crisis: Forced change due to unexpected events.
5. Innovation: New ideas and technologies.
Types of Change
Change can be:
1. Incremental: Gradual, small-scale changes.
2. Transformational: Radical, large-scale changes.
3. Strategic: Planned, deliberate changes.
4. Emergent: Spontaneous, unplanned changes.
Change Management
Effective change management involves:
1. Communication: Clear messaging and stakeholder engagement.
2. Training: Developing skills and knowledge.
3. Support: Providing resources and guidance.
4. Monitoring: Tracking progress and addressing challenges.
Resistance to Change
Resistance can arise due to:
1. Fear: Uncertainty and anxiety.
2. Habit: Comfort with the status quo.
3. Lack of Understanding: Insufficient information.
4. Power Dynamics: Threats to authority or control.
Overcoming Resistance
Strategies to overcome resistance include:
1. Education: Providing information and context.
2. Involvement: Engaging stakeholders in the change process.
3. Support: Addressing concerns and fears.
4. Leadership: Demonstrating commitment and vision.
Sustaining Change
To sustain change:
1. Embed Change: Integrate new practices and behaviors.
2. Monitor Progress: Continuously evaluate and adjust.
3. Celebrate Successes: Recognize achievements.
4. Maintain Momentum: Keep the change process moving.
Conclusion
Change is a complex and multifaceted process. Understanding the change process, catalysts, and management strategies can help individuals and organizations navigate and create meaningful change.
Recommendations
1. Develop a Change Mindset: Embrace change as an opportunity.
2. Build Change Capacity: Develop skills and resources.
3. Foster a Culture of Change: Encourage innovation and experimentation.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
This question of love
The question of love is something that will be talked about until kingdom come.
A discussion I observed on the internet about a 19 year old who had accepted the proposal of a 67 year old man reminded me of the preaching of Pastor Mensa Otabil.
He talked about the a scenario where a 60 year old man enters into a relationship with a 22 year old lady and the lady tells him I love you, when he has a protruded belly, with all the accompanying creases and he believes what she says.
He further went on to say that a whole grown up man, allows a young lady to call him “babe” and he does not feel offended.
He further went on to preach that, this young lady, young enough to be his daughter, says “babe, I love you” and this man sheepishly laughs and does not realise, he is being taken advantage of.
What keeps ringing in my ears is his statement that “what is there to love about a protruding sagging belly?”
There is no regulated way for how a person falls in love. It reminds me of a funny statement that Pastors or marriage counsellors often use, that if you fall in love, you may hurt yourself.
Love I believe is a beautiful thing but it is not something that should be toyed with. People getting into relationships should consider the realities that are bound to happen as the years go by.
Jealousy is a very destructive influence. It can influence a person to harm his wife or her husband or to even commit murder. There has been countless reported instances where a man has poured acid on his wife or girlfriend, slashed his wife to death with a cutlass because he suspected, the wife was cheating on him.
It is something that blinds one to right reasoning and once your reasoning stops functioning, then the wrong side of us takes over and the result is nothing to write home about. In most cases, it comes out after the horrible act has been perpetrated, that there was no truth in the issue that caused the jealousy, after all. However, a life would have been maimed, disfigured or destroyed forever.
One of the causes of jealousy in marriage is the age gap difference. Whether we like it or not we shall grow old one day if God by his grace enables us to live long. When we grow old, a lot of changes occur in our bodies and things we used to do with ease, suddenly become a huge challenge and it could be very frustrating.
One of the things that drives a man crazy is when he has grown weaker in bed and sees the wife interacting with younger men in a suspicious manner that seems to suggest that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Jealousy will definitely be kindled in the heart of such a man whose wife is far younger than him like this 67 year old man wanting to marry a 19 year young lady.
In 30 years’ time, this man will be 97 and his muscles would have become weaker affecting his erection. His wife would be 49 and will have to be satisfied in bed in a manner that this man cannot execute. What do you think is going to happen?
Marriage Counsellors advocate that the ideal age gap between marriage partners should not be more than 10 years. This is one way to eliminate suspicions which results in mistrust when the man grows old and gets weaker because it is a known fact that sex is very important to men than women.
A man becomes very worried when his sexual performance level drops. This is what causes some men to act in a manner that is condemnable. My advice, walk into love, don’t fall into it. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
