Going Crunchy Not Crazy

We got rid of our microwave in 2015. People have a LOT of questions about why we did and how we live without it.

This episode deals with the science of microwaves and tips and tricks for going microwave free (or at least microwave safe).

The (very) basic science

Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation.

Microwaves radiation = non-ionizing radiation - think of it as non-radioactive. Non-ionizing radiation doesn’t knock electrons off atoms.

Ionizing radiation can alter atoms which cause damage to cells - this how radioactive material causes death from massive cellular damage but things like X-rays which are less powerful but still ionizing can be used in moderation.

Microwaves have three basic characteristics - they are reflected by metal; they can pass through things like glass, paper, and plastic; and they excite and heat water molecules.

Federal Standards

A Federal standard limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface. This limit is far below the level known to harm people. Microwave energy also decreases dramatically as you move away from the source of radiation. A measurement made 20 inches from an oven would be approximately 1/100th of the value measured at 2 inches from the oven.

The standard also requires all ovens to have two independent interlock systems that stop the production of microwaves the moment the latch is released or the door is opened. In addition, a monitoring system stops oven operation in case one or both of the interlock systems fail.

All ovens must have a label stating that they meet the safety standard. In addition, the FDA requires that all ovens have a label explaining precautions for use. This requirement may be dropped if the manufacturer has proven that the oven will not exceed the allowable leakage limit even if used under the conditions cautioned against on the label.

Plastics

• bisphenol-A (BPA) are added to make clear, hard plastic
• phthalates are added to make plastic soft and flexible

BPA and phthalates are believed to be "endocrine disrupters." These are substances that mimic human hormones in the body.

Heating plastic releases these chemicals, which can then settle in your food.

Studies and science to check out

Effects of microwaves on breastmilk

Harvard on microwaves and plastics

NIH on hormone disruptors from heated plastic

Are you prepared for an emergency? Do you have 2 weeks of food and supplies? Where do you even start? Let's talk about it.

With concerns over Coronavirus around the world, this seemed like a perfect time go over how to prep for this and other emergencies, step-by-step.

I'll also go over some basics of this specific illness. How do researchers think it's transmitted and why does it matter? What about masks?

New Prepper Shopping List May be affiliate links

Organic Bulk Rice

Emergency Food Kit

Total First Aid Kit (Conventional)

Emergency Radio

Powdered Eggs Berkey Water Filter (my favorite tabletop filter)

Links about things discussed on this episode

Coronavirus Believed to Be Mostly Mild

Bathroom Hand Dryer Bacteria

Mask Shortage & Use Issues

Health Insurance While Crunchy: How to Deal With Medical Costs & Alternative Treatments

Tips & tricks of medical insurance (from a former nurse who has seen it all)

Get my insider secrets for everything from traditional insurance, cost-share networks, prescription costs, blood work & alternative / complementary treatments.

Did you know - even doctors in an in-network hospital might not covered? Individual doctors are sometimes out-of-network and there's almost no way to know. -66% of American bankruptcies list medical costs as a major factor - your insurance likely offers a 24/7 nurse line that can save you unnecessary trips to the doctor (and unnecessary co-pays) - you can get free (or crazy cheap) care by going to schools or co-op treatment centers -therapy apps are no joke and seriously helped me after a traumatic event several years ago

New Crunchy Thing I Did This Week

I grabbed my ticket to PaleoFX for April 24-26 in Austin TX. (Not sponsored but it is an affiliate link) Check it out and maybe meet me for a juice in Austin!

Now that you know the science of EMF radiation & learned the known health effects from our previous episode - let's dive in & talk about how I deal with everyday cell phone, computer & WiFi exposure.

Did you know - you can plug your smart phone in with an ethernet cable & go without WiFi - most shielding reflects signals, which can also be dangerous if you're pointing in the wrong direction - the best way to reduce exposure is FREE

My favorite protection gear *may be affiliate links DefenderShield Airtubes EarBuds DefenderShield Cell Phone Case Belly Armor Belly Band Belly Armor Blanket Dyson Hair Dryer (Warning - Crazy Expensive) Shield Life Hair Dryer

To help unravel the research and really understand the science of electromagnetic frequency radiation, WiFi signals, and cell phone health effects, I brought on Daniel DeBaun, CEO and co-founder of DefenderShield and author of Radiation Nation: The Fallout of Modern Technology.

We dig into everything from the history of radio waves and cell phone signals to the medical research on short and long term exposure to high and low frequencies. Not sure what that means? We will explain.

Daniel has over 30 years of engineering experience in the telecommunications industry, as a leader and executive at corporations including Telcordia, AT&T and Bell Labs. He created requirements for large telecommunication systems, led technical divisions responsible for establishing industry standards and formed analysis adherence testing for next-generation digital transmission systems. He oversaw laboratories which analyzed digital signals and EMF - or electromagnetic radiation - interference. Now he helps to educate the world on the proven health risks of EMF radiation and creates innovative protects to protect your family.

Visit www.defendershield.com for more info