by Marlene Affeld More and more environmentally concious people are choosing to avoid the risk of chemical contamination of their bodies, families and homes. Fortunately, solutions for addressing change exist and are within easy access. Choosing eco-friendly alternatives allows us to live a natural, green lifestyle. The benefits of eating organic foods, wearing organic clothing and choosing organic bedding are numerous. Organic Foods The Organic Food Association tells us: It is common sense;

The contraceptive pill may disrupt women’s natural ability to choose a partner genetically dissimilar to themselves. This could result in difficulties when trying to conceive, an increased risk of miscarriage and long intervals between pregnancies. Passing on a lack of diverse genes to children could also weaken their immune systems.

Humans tend to be attracted to those with a dissimilar genetic make-up to themselves, maintaining genetic diversity, which is signaled by subtle odors. A research team analyzed how the contraceptive pill affects odor preferences, and found that the preferences of women who began using the contraceptive pill shifted towards men with genetically similar odors.

Not only could genetic similarity in couples lead to fertility problems, but it could ultimately lead to the breakdown of relationships when women stop using the contraceptive pill, as odor perception plays a significant role in maintaining attraction to partners.

Recent research suggests that exposure to cleaning products or air fresheners that contain a compound called 1,4 dicholorobenzene can reduce lung function by 4 percent. Another study found that the use of spray household cleaners could increase the risk of developing asthma by nearly 50 percent.

Most people with asthma instinctively avoid these types of products, the study on 1,4 dicholorobenzene suggests that other people should probably avoid them, too.

1,4 DCB is the chemical that gives mothballs their distinctive odor. It’s also found in room deodorizers, insecticides and in urinal blocks.

After interviewing physicists, engineers and doctors, CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen assembled a list of simple steps you can take to lower your exposure to cell phone radiation:

Use the speakerphone

This was the favorite alternative of the experts she talked to. Every inch you can get away from your body, the radiation reduces very quickly. Six inches can make a big difference.

Get a phone that emits less radiation

To look up the radiation emission for your phone, check this list on CNET.com. But be careful — there may simply be no safe level for cell phone radiation.

Use a wired headset with a ferrite bead, or a Bluetooth earpiece properly

A ferrite bead is a clip you put on the wire of a headset. The bead is designed to absorb the radiation that the wire itself emits into your ear.

A Bluetooth earpiece still emits radiation, but it’s at least 100 times less than the radiation you get when you hold a cell phone to your head. But don’t wear it when you’re not talking, because it still sends out a signal.

Even better — use a “hollow tube” earpiece

It’s just like a regular wired earpiece, except the last six inches or so is a hollow tube. There’s no wire under the plastic.

If you are single and in your 40’s, it might be a good idea to find a partner. A study has found that unmarried middle-aged people are more likely to develop cognitive impairment.

It is possible that the association actually works in reverse, however, and that those destined to have trouble thinking also have trouble with relationships.

The study examined nearly 1,500 people who were questioned in midlife and then again about 21 years later. Those who lived with a partner in midlife were less likely to be cognitively impaired than all the others, including those who were widowed, single, divorced or separated.