A Canadian doctor is warning that using a portable music player such as an iPod can increase your chance of getting struck by lightning by a great marginBeijing (EON) - A Canadian doctor is warning that using a portable music player such as an iPod can increase your chance of getting struck by lightning by a great margin.

Dr. Eric Heffernan at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancover, British Columbia stated that “Most people hit by lightning get away with minor burns.” This is because the skin stops it from getting into the body.

He stated though that when you wear headphones the physics can be changed to the point where lightning can get into your body easier and actually kill you.

The report was publiched in the New England Journal of Medicine and also cited a 35-year-old jogger from Burbaby, B.C. who was caught in a thunderstorm in June 2005. He was hit by lightning while standing under a tree listening to his iPod.

Doctors confirmed that the iPod contributed to his injuries.