From IT Expert to "Off-Feeling" and Back: My Personal Battle with Invisible Invaders

Listen now and be inspired to make positive changes in your EMF environment!

🎧 Tune in: https://danedeutsch.podbean.com/e/episode-033-the-hidden-health-hazards-of-smart-led-bulbs/

For over four decades, I’ve navigated the intricate world of information technology, thinking I understood every signal and current that makes our modern lives tick. Yet, for almost an entire year, I was plagued by something far more insidious: a constant "off-feeling" and debilitating dizziness that no amount of my extensive expertise could explain. It wasn't just dizziness; I experienced blurred vision, episodes of cross-eyed vision with blackouts, and even oily vision. Adding to my distress, I suffered from shortness of breath and persistent high blood pressure.

My quest for answers led me through six different doctors, countless appointments, and a battery of tests – CAT scans, ultrasounds, and comprehensive eye exams. And every single time, the results came back clear. There was no medical explanation for my profound and persistent symptoms, leaving me increasingly frustrated and desperate for relief. This wasn't just abstract science; it was my life, affecting my well-being and, frankly, my ability to live and lead effectively.

Then, by pure chance, a piece of information caught my ear while listening to a VLOG on EMF poisoning. They talked about smart LED bulbs emitting radiation even when the light itself was off. A flicker of recognition (no pun intended!) sparked within me. I immediately reached up to the smart LED bulb directly over my desk, less than 1.5 feet from where I spent much of my day. To my absolute astonishment, the bulb was notably warm to the touch, despite no light being on.

I removed that bulb, and the effect was nothing short of miraculous. I felt an immediate sense of profound relief. It’s been days since that discovery, and the dizziness is gone. My energy is back, and just today, I even went for a two-mile run again! This profoundly personal experience was all the proof I needed. I have since replaced every single smart bulb in my house with traditional incandescent light bulbs.

This journey, from enduring unexplained illness to finding a simple, yet life-changing solution, is why I've dedicated my latest podcast episode, "Episode 033: The Hidden Health Hazards of Smart LED Bulbs," to sharing this critical information. Because if it can happen to a seasoned IT expert like me, it can certainly happen to you.

The Unseen Invaders in Your Home: Smart LED Bulbs

We often embrace new technology for its convenience, and smart homes are no exception. But that convenience comes with an invisible cost. My personal experience clearly pointed to one of the most pervasive, yet overlooked, sources of exposure in our homes: smart LED bulbs.

Here’s what you might not know about these seemingly innocuous devices, and how they contributed to my debilitating symptoms:

• Constant Wireless Chattering (Beaconing): Even when you turn a smart LED bulb "off" via its app or a wall switch, it's very likely still powered on and continuously "beaconing"—sending out wireless signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Just like that warm bulb over my desk, it's acting as a miniature cell tower operating 24/7 inside your living space, constantly communicating to maintain its connection. This continuous, low-level radiofrequency (RF) radiation contributes significantly to your overall electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure.

• Dirty Electricity: Many smart bulbs, especially those that are cheaply made, introduce "dirty electricity" onto your home’s electrical wiring. This is high-frequency voltage noise that can interfere with other electronics and create electrical static riding your home's power lines.

• Invisible Flicker: Most modern LED and LCD lighting uses a technique called pulse-width modulation (PWM) to dim the light. This creates rapid, high-frequency flickering that, while often imperceptible to the naked eye, is still registered by your brain and nervous system. This invisible flicker can lead to headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, dizziness, and even stress your autonomic nervous system, contributing to anxiety and elevated cortisol. This constant, unperceived stress was certainly a factor in my year-long malaise and visual disturbances.

• Blue Light Overload: LED bulbs are rich in blue light (in the 400–490 nm range). Excessive exposure to blue light, especially in the evening, can suppress your body's natural melatonin production, disrupting your sleep patterns. Melatonin isn't just for sleep; it's vital for heart health, reducing inflammation, and fighting oxidative stress. Chronic blue light exposure can contribute to elevated nighttime cortisol, increased resting heart rate, and higher blood pressure—all symptoms I personally experienced.

When you combine these factors – constant RF emissions, dirty electricity, invisible flicker, and blue light overload – from multiple smart devices throughout your home, you create a compounding stress on your body's systems, even if you don't realize it, just like I didn't.

Broader Health Impacts: Beyond Just the Bulbs

My year-long battle with inexplicable symptoms, which doctors couldn't diagnose despite extensive testing, is a classic example of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), where self-reported symptoms are directly linked to EMF sources. EHS, also known as idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF), often presents with a wide array of symptoms that conventional medicine struggles to pinpoint, including headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, brain fog, memory issues, poor concentration, skin tingling or burning sensations, muscle pain, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmia or chest discomfort, and vision and hearing irregularities. These symptoms can appear rapidly upon exposure and linger for hours or days, depending on the strength and duration of the exposure.

Our overall exposure to electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi, smartphones, smart meters, and other wireless technologies can manifest in a wide range of health concerns that undermine our energy, focus, and ability to lead fulfilling lives:

• Neurological and Cognitive Effects: EMF exposure has been linked to changes in brain electrical impulses, alterations to the blood-brain barrier (which protects your brain from toxins), and shifts in chemical levels affecting mental health and memory. Symptoms frequently reported include headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and dizziness – exactly what I experienced.

• Sleep and Mood Disruption: Beyond blue light, EMFs can directly interfere with melatonin production, leading to poor sleep quality and quantity. This can result in chronic fatigue, heightened anxiety, irritability, and even depression—all of which severely impact your capacity for character-driven leadership.

• Cellular Damage and Disease Risk: Research indicates that EMF radiation can induce oxidative stress and even mutate or fragment DNA in cells. This cellular damage is a concern for long-term health, with studies suggesting potential links to certain cancers and a weakened immune system.

• Reproductive Health Concerns: For men, EMF exposure has been associated with reduced sperm count and motility, and increased DNA fragmentation. In women, there's a suggested link to increased miscarriage rates and changes in infant growth metrics, highlighting the vulnerability of developing tissues.

• Vulnerable Populations: Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of EMFs because their skulls are thinner, their brain tissue is more absorbent, and their nervous systems are still developing. Early-life exposure has been linked to slowed growth, asthma, autism, obesity, ADHD, and behavioral issues. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions or EHS are also at higher risk.

Taking Charge: How to Create a Healthier EMF Environment

My year-long battle with inexplicable symptoms and the swift relief I felt after removing just one smart LED bulb taught me a powerful lesson: a truly character-driven leader takes proactive steps to protect their well-being and the well-being of those they lead, including their family. You don't need to live in a Faraday cage, but you can make informed choices to significantly reduce your EMF exposure.

Here are practical, actionable strategies you can implement today, many of which I've adopted myself:

• Limit Wireless Device Use & Maximize Distance: Use speakerphone or wired/air tube headphones for calls. Keep laptops, tablets, and phones off your body. Remember, distance is your friend—the further you are from a source, the less intense the exposure.

• Turn Off Devices When Not in Use: Power down your Wi-Fi router, Bluetooth devices, and smartphones at night or when you're not actively using them. Consider using airplane mode when connectivity isn't needed, especially in bedrooms.

• Prioritize Wired Connections: Wherever possible, use Ethernet cables instead of Wi-Fi for computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. This dramatically reduces RF radiation in your home.

• Audit Your Lighting (My #1 Game Changer!): Replace Smart LED Bulbs: As I did in my own home, I strongly recommend replacing smart LEDs, especially in critical areas like bedrooms and workspaces, with traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. These emit no RF radiation, dirty electricity, or flicker, and provide a warmer, more natural light spectrum.Choose Wisely for Other LEDs: If you must use LEDs, opt for those labeled "flicker-free" with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI of 90+) and a warm color temperature (2700K–3000K) to minimize blue light and flicker stress.Turn Off At the Switch: For any smart bulbs you keep, ensure they are physically turned off at the wall switch to cut power completely, preventing beaconing.

• Address Smart Home Devices: For smart thermostats, cameras, and appliances, investigate wired alternatives. If wireless is unavoidable, ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions are deactivated if you're using an Ethernet connection.

• Consider EMF Shielding: For sensitive areas or if you live near cell towers or smart meters, look into EMF-blocking paints, wallpapers, or shielding fabrics for windows and beds. Specialized covers for smart meters can also help. (Products like DefenderShield offer various shielding solutions for phones, laptops, and the body, including blankets, hats, and scarves, as well as blue light glasses and Faraday bags for blocking signals.)

• Support Your Body's Resilience: Beyond environmental changes, nourish your body's natural defense mechanisms. Focus on nervous system regulation, calming inflammation, supporting mitochondrial function, and optimizing detoxification pathways. Things like getting outside barefoot ("earthing"), practicing mindfulness, and ensuring good nutrition all play a role.

My personal journey from an IT expert confidently navigating technology to a person suffering from unexplained health issues, and then finding profound relief through a simple, informed change, has been transformative. It has reinforced my belief that protecting my health from these invisible invaders is a vital act of self-leadership.

Join me on Character-Driven Life & Leadership and discover how making informed choices about EMFs can enhance your focus, restore your energy, and safeguard your health, enabling you to live and lead with greater vitality and purpose.

Listen now and be inspired to make positive changes in your EMF environment!

🎧 Tune in: https://danedeutsch.podbean.com/e/episode-033-the-hidden-health-hazards-of-smart-led-bulbs/

I sincerely hope this newsletter is a bright light for those of you out there who might be experiencing unknown symptoms like I had.

To Your Health....Trike On!

Coach Dane

Are You Coach-Able?

NOTE: This post was NOT created with any AI.   Funny!  I now have to tell the world that it was me, Dane, who wrote the content of this post from my heart! But I did use spellcheck.:)

In life, we sometimes never genuinely know who we have influenced or impacted until much later, or perhaps never at all.

That is okay... it is simply our responsibility to stay the course and focus on the journey of watering and seeding life for others.

Our society is way too results-oriented. Results matter, don't get me wrong, but we have to depend more on God to take care of the results. The journey is the most important!

This link below is to a testimonial about my new book, Coach-Ability, by my mentor, Lee Ellis.

Lee's recent LinkedIn post on how my new book is helping him grow as a leader was very humbling for me. See Lee's LinkedIn post link at the bottom of this newsletter edition.

I have learned a great deal from Lee over the years, and I am honored to call him both a friend and a colleague. I am also thankful for all the coaching I received from him over many years.

I am a better character-driven leader today because of Lee and his character-driven leadership coaching. You can learn more about Lee and his Coaching here: https://www.leadingwithhonor.com. Thank you, Lee!

Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Therefore, in terms of leadership, we could also say, as I have heard many leaders quote, "We are only as good as the top five leaders we surround ourselves with."

Who do you have closest to you today? Are they helping you grow as a character-driven leader or simply coaching you on techniques and strategies?

I love General Schwarzkopf's quote: "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy."

You see, the most crucial point, even for this General, is not the technical or the strategy as vital as they are, but it is the Character.

Right now, the world is in such great need of not just great leaders, but more importantly, great character-driven leaders!

With Technocracy on the rise, and AI and other disruptive technologies that do not respect our privacy and freedom, we must increasingly become like Sherpas, navigating the rugged technical terrain of life, and helping guide others to grow as character-driven leaders as well.

Please take a minute and read Lee's comments about my Coach-Ability book. I hope you will pick up a copy to help you continue growing and coaching yourself as a Character-Driven Leader, and more importantly, to learn how to coach others and allow others to coach you, becoming a better Character-Driven Leader in the process.

You can read Lee's LinkedIn post here:  https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7333466088891994114?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAB-7ScBOYa_AbTKbQuk5fOgfvHeOeUNez0

As a gift to you, and to help you get started, here is an opt-in link to stay connected to me and a FREE download of the Foreword and Chapter 1 of Coach-Ability: Coaching Character as the Foundation of Leadership: https://optin.coach-ability.com/coach-ability

Keep it Rollin' and Trike On....Dane:)

#character #leadership #thetricycleeffect

Master the 3 D's That Shape Champions in Life Through This Chalk Talk by Coach Dane

Here is the podcast to this episode on the 3D's!

 Master the 3 D's That Shape Champions in Life Through This 

Chalk Talk by Coach Dane

Believe it or not, some of the most powerful lessons for life and business don't come from corner offices or boardrooms. Sometimes, they come from unexpected places – like a gymnastics gym.

Coach Dane Deutsch recently gave his gymnasts a "Chalk Talk" that, while aimed at young athletes gearing up for trick season, holds profound wisdom for anyone looking to achieve a goal, start a business, or simply move beyond "plotting through life."

He laid out a simple yet potent framework: the 3 D's: Dream, Desire, and Do.

Let's break down how these apply directly to you, the adult, the aspiring entrepreneur, the goal-setter.

The Power of the 3 D's for Adults

1. Dream (Visualize)

Coach Dane emphasizes that "dream" is the same as visualize. It's not just a vague wish; it's about getting a clear picture in your head of what you want to achieve. For his gymnasts, that meant visualizing next year's routines, the tricks they wanted to nail, or the strength they wanted to build.

For you, this means clearly envisioning your business idea, your personal goal, or that next big step in your career. What does it look like when it's successful? How does it feel? You need that sharp mental image, that clear target in the future that you can almost see happening. This is the starting point.

2. Desire (Be Hungry)

The second D is Desire, and Coach Dane describes it vividly. It means to "stoke up the desire," "fan a flame of desire," and "be hungry." He clarifies this doesn't mean literally wanting food, but having a strong drive, a deep internal fire, to get something done.

This is the passion, the hunger for your dream. Without it, even the clearest vision won't lead to action. It's about cultivating an intense internal motivation, a yearning that pushes you forward. For anyone starting a business or pursuing a challenging goal, this desire is your engine, especially when things get tough.

3. Do (Take Action)

The third D is the crucial part: Do. This is the action phase. You can dream all day, but if you don't do, nothing will happen.

Coach Dane highlights how these D's are interconnected. You need to visualize (Dream) to fuel your drive (Desire). You need that drive (Desire) to motivate you to take action (Do). And if you just "do" things without a clear dream or strong desire, you're likely just "running around in circles." Your "doing" becomes aimless effort rather than focused steps towards a purpose. Your desire is the "why," and the "do" is the "how" – and the strength of your "why" directly impacts your willingness to figure out the "how" and actually do it.

A Real-World Example: Building a Business from Scratch

Coach Dane shares how this framework has been his operating principle his entire life. He first dreams or visualizes something, then checks if he has a "hunger" (desire) for it. If not, he tosses it out. If the hunger is there, he takes action and does it.

He provides a powerful example that resonates deeply with adults, especially those interested in entrepreneurship: starting his own gym with his wife, Kathy.

While living in Turkey years ago, they first visualized their big dream of having this gym. When they returned to the United States, they had "no money, no house, [and] nothing." This situation meant they "had to be hungry" (Desire) to make their dream a reality. Despite the potential for failure – recognizing it was an opportunity to succeed, they "actually took action" and "did it."

Fast forward over 35 years, and the gym is a success. But Coach Dane's definition of success goes beyond just making a living. For him, the true success lies in the "significance that we could add value" to the thousands of children and families who have come through the gym.

This story powerfully illustrates how Dream, Desire, and Do are the fundamental building blocks for achieving significant goals and creating something lasting, even starting from nothing.

Are You Just Plotting Through Life?

Coach Dane starkly contrasts this intentional approach with how he sees "most people, even adults, in this world," who are often "just plotting through life." These adults, he notes, often "don't have any real dream" and are simply focused on getting through the day or the week.

It's a challenging image, but one that prompts self-reflection. Are you actively shaping your future with a clear vision, a burning desire, and deliberate action, or are you just going through the motions?

The Challenge for You

Coach Dane's simple framework, born in a gym, is a profound reminder for all of us. To move beyond just plotting, you need:

•

A clear Dream: Visualize what you truly want to build or achieve, personally or professionally. Make it a sharp mental image.

•

Burning Desire: Cultivate that hunger, that deep drive for your dream. Find what gives it meaning and makes you passionate about it.

•

Consistent Doing: Identify the concrete steps, even small ones, and start taking action. Let your desire fuel your efforts.

Think about any dreams you might have dismissed. How might things change if you consciously applied these three elements? Could it change what you believe is possible for you?

What's just one small, concrete step you could take today towards one of those dreams you've been holding on to? Dream it, desire it, and then, most importantly, Do it.

Want to get coaching from Coach Dane?

3 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO BUILD CHARACTER AS YOUR COMPETITIVE LEADERSHIP ADVANTAGE https://coach.lmdc.us/3Keys.  Hint:  There is a FREE Bonus here too!

Download this asset and learn how to "TRANSFORM YOUR LEADERSHIP WITH CHARACTER AS THE FOUNDATION FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL & CEO-LEVEL SUCCESS"

You can also visit his blog at:  https://theararatconnection.blogspot.com/2025/05/unleash-your-inner-entrepreneur-3-keys.html

Or visit Coach Dane on this podcast at: https://danedeutsch.podbean.com/e/unleash-your-inner-entrepreneur-the-3-keys-to-making-your-dreams-happen-straight-from-a-gym-coach/

You can also watch Coach Dane delivering his Chalk Talk: https://share.descript.com/view/fa8iAklJVha