Fall/Winter 2011 Volume 13, Issue 2

Electrical Hypersensitivityand Your Health

Electrical hypersensitivity(EHS) is becoming agrowing health concern inour digital electronic andwireless world. The Bio-Initiative Report (August2007) reports that arelationship between theelectromagnetic fields(EMF) is associated withpower lines and wirelessdevices and health. Approximately 3% - 8%of the population indeveloped countries

Inside this issue> Electrical Hypersensitivity and your health, p.1-2> Fatigue Fighting Foods and Anti-oxidants, p. 2-3> Update from international chronic fatigue conference, p. 3-4> What’s On! P. 4

What are the risks?Mobile telephones and wireless high-speed internetnetworks are increasingly common in homes, offices,airports, schools, residential and urban areas. Individualsare concerned about the location of base station andlocal wireless network antennas and the possible long-term health effects that whole-body exposure to the RFsignals may have. Recent scientific reviews have foundthat the levels of radiofrequency exposure are so lowthat the temperature increases are insignificant and donot affect human health. In 2011, the internationalAgency for Research on Cancer classifiedradiofrequency energy found in WiFi as “possiblycarcinogenic to humans.” Limited evidence exists thatRF might be a risk factor for cancer. Health Canadastates that as long as RF energy levels remain belowHealth Canada’s RF Safety Guidelines, WIFi is notharmful. Health Canada has determined that EMFexposure in Canadian homes, schools and offices arelow. Health Canada along with the World HealthOrganization continue to monitor the EMF scientificliterature for adverse health effects.

EnvironmentalNews

Gloria Fraser, Nurse Education Coordinator,Environmental Health Clinic

Electrical and Magnetic Fields and human health Electromagnetic radiation is composed of electricalmagnetic fields (EMF) and radio frequencies (RF) Electricand magnetic fields are invisible forces. Electric fields are formed whenever a wire is plugged into an outlet. Ahigher voltage creates a stronger electric field. Magneticfields are formed when electric current is flowing within adevice or wire. Electric and magnetic fields are strongestwhen close to the source e.g. high voltage power line. Asyou move away from the source, the strength of the fieldsfades rapidly. Radio frequency energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation given off by cell phones and cell phonetowers. The symptoms most commonly experiencedwhen an individual becomes sensitive to exposure toelectrical magnetic fields include:Dermatological: redness, tingling and burning sensationsNeurological fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties,dizziness, nauseaCardiac: heart palpitation

Tips for avoiding EMFA precautionary avoidance strategy is the best approach.Here are some important tips to help reduce exposureto electrical magnetic non-ionizing radiation:√ Check your house wiring to ensure that field levels where you sleep and sit for extended periods are safe.√ Bedside lights and clock radios, TV should be one meter away from your bed. Cordless phones and mobile phones should not be in the bedroom as they emit high EMF.

-1-

suffers from a severe form of electrical hypersensitivity and35% have mild reactions from repeated exposures.(Dr. Thomas Rau, 2009)

Other disturbances: digestive (World HealthOrganization, 2007)

Reduction of exposure at work√ Keep photocopiers, printers and major electrical appliances away from the work area. • Use a flat screen computer monitor. If not possible, keep 50cm away from your computer monitor.• Use low voltage fluorescent lights.Reduce exposure in the community• Limit your time spent near high-voltage transmission lines and transformers as emit powerful electrical magnetic fields.Transportation• Limit your travel of trains and planes that have high levels of electromagnetic fields.

-2-

When fatigue hits,it becomes verydifficult tocomplete the tasksof daily living.Even worse, a lackof energy caninterfere withparticipating inthe activities youenjoy, leading to adecrease in overallwellbeing andquality of life. Forthose sufferingfrom chronic fatigue syndrome,

Fatigue Fighting Foods andAnti-oxidantsAndrea Stokes, 4th Year Dietitian Student, Ryerson University

Staying Healthy√ Foods that can reduce electrical hypersensitivity symptoms are foods high in antioxidants such as berries, grapes, dates, and kelp, Eat lots of healthy foods following Canada’s Food Guide. Drink plenty of water, 6 to 8 glasses per day. √ Intestinal and membrane health are also important and can be improved by taking probiotics, and omega 3’s.√ Limit the length of your cell phone calls and replace cell phone calls with text messages. Do not speak on the cell phone when driving, walking or crossing the street.

EMF Protection/avoidance: √ Wear clothes and shoes made of natural materials or even special conductive clothing and footwear that are made for workers in the electronics semiconductor industry.√ Reduce the amount of metal you wear.√ Flooring in your home needs to be made of natural material.√ Speak to an EMF expert regarding EMF assessment of your living space and protection devices e.g. Graham Stezer products.

Further information on EMF is available at:

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

FEB Sweden

http://www.feb.se/index_int.htm

√ Keep your distance from all electrical appliances when in use and particularly if pregnant.√ Unplug non-essential electrical appliances when not in use.

Medline Plus Health Information

http://www.nim.nih.gov/medlineplus/electromagnetic

fields.html

WEEP Initiative

http://weepinitiative.org/talkingto yourdoctor.pdf

World Health Organization

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs193/en/

index.html

fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivities, theassociated fatigue and impaired immune function can beparticularly difficult to manage. However, there are avariety of foods that help boost both energy levels andimmune function, allowing you to enjoy more fully all thatlife has to offer.

While all foods supply energy, some forms are better thanothers. Carbohydrate is an ideal source of energy for thebody, as it is very quickly broken down into an energyform the body can use. Simple carbohydrates (such as thosefound in candy, chocolate bars and white bread) are brokendown extremely quickly, resulting in sharp spikes in energylevels which fall off just as readily, leading to the feeling of “crashing”. Complex carbohydrates take longer to breakdown, resulting in a more steady and long-lasting increasein energy levels. Complex carbohydrates are found inwhole grain foods (such as whole grain breads and pastas,brown and wild rice, quinoa, oats, corn, and whole grain

Tips to Improve Your Diet and Boost Energyand Immune Function:Meals: Breakfast • 1 boiled egg with whole-grain toast and ½ a Grapefruit Lunch • whole wheat turkey wrap with cheese, spinach and tomato and olive oil-based mayo Supper • brown rice, fish, and garden salad with olive -oil based salad dressing Snacks: • peanut-butter on a banana • cottage cheese and fruit • raw carrots, celery, and bell peppers with hummus • bran cereal or granola with milk

For the busy holiday season ahead, it is important tokeep energy levels high and immune function strong inorder to enjoy every moment with family and friends.Don’t deprive yourself! While there are plenty ofhealthy and delicious options to choose from, anoccasional holiday treat may be just the pick-me-up youneed!

-3-

Foods high in protein include eggs, meat, poultry, fish,tofu, dairy products, beans, nuts, and seeds. The use ofwhey protein powder may be an easy way to increase yourprotein intake, as it can easily be added to smoothies andshakes.

Unsaturated fats are termed “healthy fats” due to theirpositive effects on cardiovascular health, absorption ofnutrients, and overall maintenance of good health. Foodsrich in unsaturated fats include olive and canola oils, nuts,flaxseed, and fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, and sardines.

Foods high in fiber include fruits and vegetables, nuts,beans, peas, bran cereal, and oats. Because fiber, like proteinand unsaturated fat, slows digestion, food will remain inthe stomach for longer, leading to feelings of fullness thatoccur faster and last longer than a strictly carbohydratemeal or snack.

Antioxidants consist of compounds naturally occurringin foods that help to stop damage caused by free radicalsthat frequently develop in the body. Antioxidants improveimmune function, allowing us to fight off infections andtoxins that do not belong in our bodies. Maintainingoptimal immune function prevents us from getting sick aswell as spares energy from being used to combat illness,energy that can instead go towards daily activities. Antioxidants are found in a wide variety of foods,including whole grains, unsaturated fat- and protein-richfoods (such as olive oil, flaxseed, nuts, fish, meats, andpoultry) and in very high amounts in fruit and vegetables.An easy way to ensure a variety of antioxidant-rich fruitand vegetables in your diet is through the purchase of aHarvest Box (https://toronto.greenearthorganics.com/),which contains a seasonal selection of organic fruits andvegetables delivered to your home.

International Association of Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Biennial International Conference:

Translating Evidence into Practice;

September 22-25, 2011

I was asked to write about the IACFS/ME Conferencethat was held in Ottawa in September 2011. It was agreat experience to be present with so many wonderfulmedical colleagues and patients from around the world.If you ever get the opportunity to go to a conference ofthis kind I would urge you to go if it is within your

Dr. Alison Bested, Staff Physician, EnvironmentalHealth Clinic

cereals), legumes (such as beans, peas, and lentils), andmany fruits time (regardless of the type of carbohydrateconsumed) and vegetables (such as bananas, sweetpotatoes, and other root vegetables). A variety of nutrients, when added to carbohydrate, canfurther increase the energy obtained from eatingcarbohydrate-rich foods. Protein,unsaturated fat, andfiber help sustain energy levels by slowing the body’sdigestion of carbohydrates. This means the energy fromcarbohydrate can be released more gradually into the body,allowing your meal or snack to provide steady energylevels for a longer amount of time (regardless of the typeof carbohydrate consumed).

-4-

What’s ON!Holiday Greeting!The staff of the Environmental Health Clinicwishes everyone an environmentally friendlyholiday and good health in the New Year!

The EnvironmentalHealth Clinic

Our Clinic phone number is:416-351-3764 or

1-800-417-7092 and ourFax number is 416-323-6130

You may also visit ourWeb page under

www.womenshealthmatters.caPlease feel free to call orwrite us for a copy of our

Clinic brochure.

Environmental Newsis a free publication,

published twice a year.To receive our newsletter,contact the EHC, as listed

above. If you have questionsthat you would like

answered in our newsletteror have an article that youwish to submit for the next

issue, please mail or faxthem to the clinic. We may beunable to print every articledue to space limitations. Theinformation contained in thenewsletter is published foryour information only. It is

not meant to replacethe advice of your health care

professional. If you havespecific concerns regardingyour health, please contactyour physician or call our

office to discuss yourconcerns.

The Environmental HealthClinic (EHC) at the

Women’s College Hospitalis located on the

5th Floor West76 Grenville Street,

Toronto, ON

This information translates into explaining why patients cannot do aerobicexercises - because they do not produce enough energy in their cells. Itexplains if they try exercising like walking or swimming they crash afterwards.For patients with ME/CFS the approach is to stay within their energyenvelope to prevent crashes or a return of their symptoms. The goal of exercisesis to increase patient function. HOW? By starting with gentle stretching, nextadding strengthening exercises and finally adding short-duration intervaltraining of less than 90 seconds to begin with to improve their ability to dodaily activities of living. Between interval training patients must have completerecovery to prevent crashing or post exertional fatigue.

I presented my approach to pacing on the patient's day. I concluded with asong I wrote called "Boundaries" which I sang to the melody of the song"The Way We Were". I was thrilled when I received a standing ovation fromthe patients. Staci Steven presented the exercise physiology research from herFatigue Lab at the University of the Pacific in Stockton California. Herrecommendations were based on bike ergometry testing of patients with ME/CFS compared to sedentary control subjects that was done on 2 sequentialdays of testing. They found that on the second day of testing patients with ME/CFS riding a bike to their maximum effort caused post exertional fatigue/malaise or a "crash" that lasted days to a week later. The crash symptoms werethought to be the result of an impaired aerobic/oxidative metabolic pathwayin patientswith ME/CFS. The aerobic (oxygen using) energy system begins todominate after only 90 seconds of activity.

Because of the variation of fatigue in ME/CFS patients, the exercise programmust be individualized to each patient. Patients can be helped to preventcrashing when their testing results show them what their maximum heart rateshould be. How? They wear a heart rate monitor and a watch that shows theirpulse and sounds an alarm when they go over their individual maximumrecommended heart rate. The heart rate represents their body's maximumability to do an activity and when the alarm sounds it lets patients know thatif they do not stop immediately they will crash and get post exert ional fatigue.

finances and energy envelope. It is a wonderful experience for you to be withso many people who understand what you are going through as a patient.

Reference: VanNess, J. M., Stevens, S.R., Bateman, L., Stiles, T. L. andSnell, C.R.; Journal of Women's Health; Volume 19, Number 2, 2010.

All the best,Alison C. Bested MD FRCPC

This is a research tool and not available in Canada - but we can dream.

Wow! That's pacing at its best!