American Treasure

What is sweet, delicious and good for you - but smells like rotting meat? 

Have you ever had a paw paw fruit? This delicious cross between a banana and a mango could be growing near you now. Paw paw fruit is a U.S. native, especially in the eastern states. It’s packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber and minerals and doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Native Americans and early European settlers LOVED the paw paw, also known as a custard apple or Indian banana. George Washington adored them for dessert and Thomas Jefferson grew them at Monticello.

For some reason, paw paw popularity has wilted over the years. Some say it’s because the Paw paw plant produces a beautiful dark red bloom that happens to smell like rotting meat. Bees don’t even like it. The fruit itself isn’t very pretty and bruises easily - but if you get below the surface of the paw paw you’ll be in for some custardy sweetness as American as paw paw pie. 

 

Barefoot Everywhere

You know those laws about not driving barefoot - or eating in a restaurant barefoot? Umm - they don't exist. 

One of the great parts of summer is being able to go barefoot. But some places restrict where you can go and what you can do without shoes. The organization Barefooters.org is on a quest to set the record straight, at least as far as the law is concerned:

- Driving barefoot is perfectly legal in every state in the U.S. There are no laws on the books anywhere that require a driver wear shoes.

- If you see a sign that says "No Bare Feet - by order of the Health Dept" - that sign is bogus. Although individual restaurants may forbid barefoot patrons, it's not because they have to. NO state Health Dept. forbids restaurant patrons from going barefoot. 

- There is no law or Health Dept. regulation that addresses the wearing of shoes in any public place.

Again, individual stores and private locations can regulate - but the law is silent on the subject.

Career Busters

Would you like to RUIN your career? 

Most successful people work hard and value their professional reputation. If that’s not your style, here are some surefire ways to ruin your reputation from career consultant Alison Green:

1. Accept a job offer and then back out later. People sometimes accept one job offer but continue interviewing in case they get an offer they like better, but there's a huge cost to your reputation for doing this; you'll be known as someone whose word is suspect and who cuts and runs.

2. Worse, start a new job and then quit after a month for a different one. 

3. Lose your temper at work. It's normal to occasionally get frustrated, but you're crossing a line if you're yelling, slamming doors or snapping at people. 

4. Lie. Whether it's lying to cover up a mistake or adding a few thousand dollars to your salary history in the hopes of getting a better offer, getting caught lying is a surefire way to fatally harm your reputation.

5. Make commitments that you don't keep. You build credibility by showing people that you mean what you say. But if you do the opposite – you'll ruin your credibility and get a reputation for flakiness and unreliability.

6. Recommend someone for a job when you don't really think they would be right for it. After all, your assessment of someone's work says something about your own work, standards and judgment.

7. Quit your job without notice. Unless you have really, really good reason, quitting your job without notice will burn bridges with your employer and often your co-workers too, and can be the kiss of death for future reference calls. 

8. Send a hostile email after something happens that you don't like. Whether it's jotting off an angry response to a new policy at work or sending a bitter reply after you get rejected for a job, angry letter bombs are hard to live down. 

Hurricane Forecast

The forecast for the 2013 hurricane season is in and it’s not good. 

Hurricane season starts on June 1st and lasts through the month of November and this summer and fall are predicted to be potentially brutal. Scientists from the NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say they expect to see 13 to 20 named storms, 7 to 11 hurricanes, with 3 to 6 of them likely to be major Category 3, 4 or 5.

For comparison, the average hurricane season forecast typically includes just 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

Michael Jackson Disorder

Do you know someone obsessed with their looks? 

Most of us check the mirror and primp from time to time - but some preoccupation with that could be a real mental health red flag. BDD, or body dysmorphic disorder, is a psychological disorder that can take a heavy toll on the life of someone afflicted and anyone who cares about them. Those suffering from BDD often become so preoccupied with a feature or aspect of their looks that they begin to perceive it as grotesque or as a disfigurement. While never publicly diagnosed, Michael Jackson is often considered the poster child for BDD.

Warning signs of BDD include extreme self-consciousness, over-use or avoidance of mirrors, excessive grooming or cosmetic procedures, reluctance of appearing in pictures and excessive talk about looks. If you know someone who could be suffering from BDD, they WILL need professional help. Without treatment, this disorder tends to get much worse and can even become life-threatening over time.

Sunscreen Smarts

That expensive sunscreen must be better, right? Wrong! 

Do you have a go-to brand of sunscreen? If not, Consumer Reports put 12 popular brands to the test and rated them from value and protection to which brands stain your clothing. Here are the results:

Six got recommended ratings:

* Target's Up & Up Sport, at the top spot, costs $1.16 an ounce.

* Walmart's Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 won the CR Best Buy award of the dozen.

* Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50

* Walgreens Continuous Spray Sport SPF 50

* Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30

* Coppertone Sport High Performance SPF 30

The six that didn't get recommended cost much more without offering better quality or protection: 

* California Baby SPF 30+, at $6.90 an ounce! (discontinued, but may still be available).

* No-Ad with Avobenzone, Aloe, and Vitamin E SPF 45

* Neutrogena Wet Skin SPF 45+

* Kiss My Face with Hydresia SPF 40

* Badger Unscented SPF 34

* All Terrain AquaSport SPF 30

Gender Talk

Pipe down Chatty Cathy - Talking Tom has something to say. 

So you think women talk more than men? Not necessarily, according to research from the University of Arizona. They used digital voice recorders on male and female college students over the course of eight years and found the word-count results surprising. While women did speak a few more words than the men, the amount that they communicated was about the same.

The gender word-counts do tend to vary a bit more with age, with women taking the lead. Experts theorize that both young men and women have to talk when transitioning in life and forming new relationships. Once they’re settled, women rely more on verbal communication to get their point across than men do.

Ironing Trick

Would you like to cut your ironing time in half? 

If you hate to iron stuff, grab the aluminum foil first. This favorite household trick can cut your ironing time in half. Wrap a sheet of foil around your board, shiney side up, before you lay down your wrinkled item. That foil will conduct the heat from your iron and actually help to smooth out the underside of whatever you’re ironing as you go. Some ironing enthusiasts cover their board with a more permanent layer of foil under their ironing board cover to press like a pro every time. 

Pet Play App

Your pet is probably bored stiff while you’re at work.

How would you like to play with your dog or cat at work? There’s a new gadget that makes it possible. It’s called the PetCube. While your boss might hate the idea, your best friend will be thrilled when you fire up the Petcube webcam and movable laser pointer. It’s got a microphone and speaker so you’ll be able to talk to your pet too. Just place the cube at home on a shelf with a view and let the fun begin from anywhere in the world with WiFi. You can even take video or pictures of your pet at play and share them to Facebook, Twitter or use them to liven up that boring powerpoint presentation. 

The PetCube is slated to hit the market soon and will be accessible through a website or in the palm of your hand through a mobile app. 

Seafood Scam

Should you be shelling out more money for organic seafood? There’s a catch to that catch.

Organic produce is a good idea. Organic seafood, not so much. Unlike meat, poultry, eggs and produce, there are no federal regulations which make something from the sea sustainable or organic. Seafood labelled organic is almost always more expensive and is probably a waste of money. It has not necessarily been tested for toxicity and was not required to meet any specific standards. Restaurants love to use adjectives such as “wild” or “organic” in front of their catch-of-the-day. Just keep in mind you’re paying more for the words than for the fish. 

Tomato Success

There’s a new breed of tomato we’re all going to want. 

How would you like to buy or grow tomatoes that taste better, last longer and are even healthier than traditional tomatoes? Scientists have been working on the ultimate tomato and it’s ripe for the picking. It’s the genetically modified purple tomato. Purple GM tomatoes have a 48 day shelf life, more than double the average 21 days. Their purple skin is packed with antioxidants which help protect them, and us, from post-harvest diseases. 

Growers and retailers are excited about the GM tomatoes which should be cropping up in more produce aisles now. Rotten tomatoes are a huge problem for farmers and supermarkets and the new purple variety promises to protect us all.

Bird Watching

Why do birds suddenly disappear? It could be a weather warning. 

It’s time for a talk about the birds and the bees. It turns out they can teach us a lot - about weather. Both birds and bees may vanish just before a storm. That’s because they sense a drop in barometric pressure and instinctively seek shelter in their nests or hives. Most species of birds also get very quiet right before it rains.

Birds can help predict a nice day too. If they’re flying high in the sky, it’s likely that the weather is will be fair. If they seem to be flying at lower altitudes, or perched on power lines, that may suggest an approaching storm. The falling air pressure hurts their ears and they’re more comfortable down near us.

Gas Guzzlers

Does driving with the windows open waste gas? Yup.

Some of the things we do to save gas is actually wasting it. Here’s what we’re doing wrong, according to the fuel economy experts:

* Driving across town to save a nickel on a gallon of gas. It might sound obvious, but a lot of people waste gas doing that.

* Driving on the highway with the windows down really does create an aerodynamic drag. Go ahead and use the AC, it’s more fuel efficient.

* Accelerating slowly. While flooring it isn’t recommended, slow acceleration can bog down your engine and make it run less efficiently. Find a happy medium.

The biggest gas waster is often our cruising speed. Consider taking it down about 10 mph on the highway. Studies have found that cruising at 65 instead of 75 can save three to five miles per gallon, depending on the vehicle.

Insurance Check

If there has been a change to your job or commute - you NEED to call your insurance company. 

Do you ever work from home? More and more people are and they forget to tell their insurance company. If your commute has changed for the better, you need to let your insurance company know about it. Most companies base rates and discounts on the number of miles driven per year. 

While you’re on the phone with them, have them remove any towing or rental car coverage. Those two options could be costing you about $70 a year. 

Nacho Man

Are you a tomato or a nacho? 

Most women are familiar with the standard body shape categories - Apple, pear and hourglass. So what about the guys? Menswear retailer Jacamo, has identified the seven new shapes that represent the modern male - and some of them are delicious:

* Pear: A little bit larger around the middle

* Cucumber: Straight up and down without extra weight

* Tomato: Slightly chubby all over

* Nacho: Broad shoulders with a slim waistline

* Stringbean: Super skinny and lean

* Brick: Broad all over

* Snowman: figure eight shaped, round at the stomach and chest

Most men, almost half, consider themselves pear shaped, followed by the cucumbers and tomatoes. If you’re a nacho man, you’re in the elite 5% triangle.

Plastic Pressure

Do you pack your kid’s snacks in plastic? 

Most of our snack containers and bags are made out of plastic - and now experts are saying that’s a really bad idea, especially for kids. Researchers at NYUs Langone Medical Center say exposing our kids to the phthalates used in food packaging could result in hormonal abnormalities during early development. They worry that some of these plastic chemicals could be to blame for a rise in blood pressure and cardiac problems in children.

If you’d like to cut down on exposure to plastic, opt for glass, ceramic or paper containers whenever possible. Some plastics are safer than others - look for BPA free on the label. If you do use plastic, get rid of any containers that are scratched or damaged and avoid using plastic in the microwave.

Shoe Crazy

So how many pairs of shoes does the average American woman own? 

19 - according to Consumer Reports National Research Center. Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart says, women obviously love their shoes and are willing to go to great lengths for them - including risking injury and hiding their purchases from a significant other. Close to half of the female population report having been injured by their shoes. 60% admit regretting at least one shoe purchase.

The survey also revealed that most women only wear four pairs of shoes regularly, and 25% of their collection have only been worn once.

Favorite House

Has your neighbor been robbed? 

Which house on your street is a burglar’s LEAST favorite? Joseph Kuhns, criminology professor at the University of North Carolina asked some crooks and here are some that they skip when house hunting:

* Proximity: When selecting a target, most burglars said they hate close proximity of other people, including traffic, people in the house or business, police officers and the lack of escape routes. 

* Increased security: Robbers look for alarm signs, dogs and cameras and usually take a pass.

* Working alarm system: Of the crooks who do encounter an expected alarm mid-crime, most abort the mission and make a run for it.

Generation Gap

If you've got a great story about your grandparents, or that crazy uncle, make sure to share it with your kids.

Every family has a story. Actually lots of stories. And it's important we share them with our kids. There's research that shows sharing family stories can make a big difference when it comes to emotional well-being and a sense of self. Family stories provide a sense of identity through time, and help children understand who they are in the world. Tales of heritage can help us feel connected to our extended family. And details about our more recent past, such as how mom and dad met, or most embarrassing moments, can really help fill the generation gap.

Even if kids – especially teens – seem a little bored by it all, they will one day be happy you told them these stories.

Slow Mow

How are your mowing skills? 

If you’re mowing the grass anytime soon, you’ll need to take your time if you want to mow like a pro. Ed Perratore, lawn and garden expert at Consumer Reports says if you rush through the job it WILL look like it. Relax and approach your lawn with a slow mow. Push mowers are fine but most riding mowers can cruise at speeds much too fast to do the job right. 

You’ll also want to be sure that grass is really dry for a nice, even cut. Once you’re in the mowing groove, avoid following the wheel tracks on your next pass. You’re better off with some overlap in the cutting swaths and be sure to alternate directions each time for a cleaner, healthier lawn. 

Soft Touch

The next time you shake someone’s hand, caress their sweet spot. 

A firm handshake never goes out of style – but adding a soft touch can help to seal the deal. It’s a handshake trick that has been proven to be effective at making a good impression and anyone can do it. The next time you go in for the shake, keep your hand firm but extend your forefinger to touch his or her wrist, ever so slightly. 

You’re aiming for the spot on the wrist where you might find a pulse. It just takes a moment and won’t really be noticed, but making contact with that sweet spot can send a subtle signal of sincerity and warmth which can enhance your shake appeal.

Audit Risk

One percent of tax returns are audited each year. Will yours be one of them? 

It’s peak season for tax audits. 1 in 100 of us will be targeted and here are a few things that scream “pick me” on your return:

* Generosity: If you donate one-third or more of your income to charities, they WILL take a closer look.

* Dependents: Those who claim people other than their children as dependents may trigger a double-take.

* Self-employed: The IRS will assume you’re cheating by claiming expenses that are not business related.

* Numbers: Lots of round numbers or double zeros may warrant some scrutiny.

* Social media: The IRS will check you out. If it’s obvious you live beyond your means, you could be asking for it.

Cutting Lemons

You’re probably cutting your lemons all wrong. 

The next time you cut a lemon, turn it lengthwise. Ian Knauer, gourmet food expert, says we can triple the juice from cut lemons if we do it right. The same goes for limes. First, you’ll need to be sure that citrus is at room temperature. If it was in the fridge, warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds. Then, cut it lengthwise and squeeze. An average lemon yields about 2 tablespoons of juice when cut the short way. You’ll get about one-third of a cup of juice from a lengthwise lemon half. That’s three times as much!

Hotel Must

The next time you book a hotel room, there is one thing you MUST do.

If you’ll be checking into a hotel room any time soon, don’t forget to ask for an upgrade. Only 28% of travelers do that and the rest of us are missing out. Hotel guests that ask for a room upgrade score one almost 80% of the time. Even if there is not a bigger or better room available, you may wind up with other perks such as free or reduced Wi-Fi or parking rates.

To increase your chances of a hotel upgrade, ask for a late check-in. Arriving later gives the front desk a better idea of which rooms and amenities are available. Ask for your upgrade with a smile and try to do it out of earshot of other guests. They are less likely to give stuff away while others can hear.

Killer Clots

If you’re not worried about blood clots or deep vein thrombosis - you should be. Did you know you’re at risk of deep vein thrombosis? DVT kills millions of Americans each year and according to Dr. Geno Merli, of the Jefferson Vascular Center in Philadelphia, it can happen to anyone, at any age. DVT is a potentially fatal condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs. If these clots break free, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. 

Risk of DVT is elevated in people who are immobilized for any length of time and in those receiving chemotherapy or with a family history. Regardless of your risk factor, it’s important to take precautions to reduce your odds. Dr. Merli suggests you flex and extend the feet and knees if you’ll be sitting or lying down for more than two hours. Be sure to drink a lot of water and try your best to keep your weight in check.

Too Tipsy

If you got a bit too tipsy, the glass might be to blame. Drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Drinking from a curved glass could be a problem too. Scientists have determined some culprits that could make that cocktail go straight to your brain:

* Curvy glass: We tend to drink beer faster out of an angled beer flute than from a straight-sided glass. The same goes for other specialty glasses like martini.

* Diet soda: Mixing alcohol with diet soda can cause a rapid spike in blood alcohol levels as compared to regular soda.

* Delicious drink: If you’d rather not overdo it, go with a drink you don’t like, not a drink you love. It could significantly slow your intake.

* Low-fat diet: Go ahead and have some bar snacks with that drink. A shot of fat will slow your alcohol absorption rate.

* Age: Older people have less body water and a decreased metabolism which can send that drink right to their head.

Cell Brain

Which side of your brain is the dominant side? 

Are you left or right brained? We all have a dominant side and there’s an easy way to determine which side of your brain is boss. Pick up your cell phone. New research says most of us use the ear on the dominant side to take that call. We process speech and language with the dominant side of our brain and it’s only natural that subconscious reflexes would guide the phone to that side. 

The study also suggests that 95% of us are left-brain dominant, which means your left ear is probably getting a talking to.

Eyelash Extensions

Cosmetic eyelash extensions are all the rage. So are they safe? 

Many women go to great lengths to have long, luxurious lashes. False eyelashes, liners and mascara have been popular options for a long time now but cosmetic extensions are fluttering onto the scene. If you’re tempted to take that step, there are a few risks involved that you need to consider.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions could be potentially dangerous. They pose a risk of infection of the cornea and eyelid and could even lead to permanent swelling and loss of eyelashes. If you’re determined to bat long lashes, it’s important to consider extensions only from an aesthetician who is certified in the procedure and to discuss the types of adhesives used and potential risk factors.

Pet Prescriptions

Does your vet dole out your pet’s prescriptions? 

Your doctor doesn’t usually hand over your medicine at the end of your office visit - and neither should your vet. The next time your pet needs a remedy for a common condition such as heartworm or hairballs, you’re probably better off heading to your local pharmacy. Most chain and independent pharmacies carry the basics for your pet, for a fraction of the cost. Ask your pharmacist about what they keep in stock on a regular basis. In most cases, they’ll have flea and heartworm prevention drugs and may even be able to fill some pet prescriptions.

Sick Day Warning

 

Should you call in sick to work - or email?

If you can’t make it into work today - you’d better have a good excuse. A recent survey by Benenden Health took a look at how and why employees use their sick days and what the bosses are thinking. Here are some statistics to consider before you take the day off:

* Be sure to CALL in sick as opposed to the cowardly text or email. Two-thirds of bosses demand it.

* Go with vomiting, virus or abdominal pain. Those are the most likely to be believed by the boss.

* Skip the back or neck pain. Those are the lamest physical excuses.

* Stay off Facebook and Twitter. ⅓ of bosses admit they check your social sickness status. If you’re coherent enough to navigate there, you could have made it into work. 

* Check the weather. Employers are less likely to believe you’re suffering on a really nice day.

Alzheimer's Risk

Uh-oh – now our tap water might be increasing our risk of Alzheimer’s.

There is no doubt that Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise and now there is some evidence suggesting that we could be drinking it. Scientists are concerned about the levels of inorganic copper found in nutritional supplements and in our tap water. Too much copper has been found to worsen symptoms in those with Alzheimer’s and could be injuring our brain cells.

As scary as that sounds, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to avoid getting excess copper. If you drink water from the tap, invest in a filtering system or in a simple filtered pitcher like Brita. These are effective at removing copper and other unnecessary elements from tap water. It’s also a good idea to check your vitamins and supplements and opt for those without copper in the ingredients. A little copper is fine but most of us get plenty through our regular diets.

Just Like Mom

Are you really becoming your mother? 

Nice to see ya, wouldn’t want to be ya. If the mom you love gets on your nerves from time to time, it’s perfectly normal. According to Judy Kuriansky, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship,” it’s not unusual for some daughters develop a fear of becoming their mother as they age, which can put a strain on the relationship. Judy says the first step is to recognize that fear. Those annoying traits such as moodiness, nosiness, or whatever irks you are likely some attributes you secretly dislike in yourself. 

While you may or may not have inherited her traits, it’s important to remember to accept your mother for who she is, just as she has had to accept you for who you are through all of your many stages in life.

Salsa Relief

Let’s hear it for salsa! 

Salsa is not only delicious and festive – it’s good for what ails you. The next time you overdo it with activity or yard work, schedule a salsa siesta. The red and orange produce that goes into salsa can help to relax sore muscles and ease the nervous system. 

The most effective salsa ingredients are any fruits and vegetables in that color range, including tomato, peppers, carrots, berries, mango and melon. If you like it hot, even better. The capsaicin in hot chili peppers is a proven pain killer.

Shades in Style

What shape are your sunglasses? 

Before you invest in your new sunglasses for this summer, make sure they match your face. Jenn Falik, style expert for the Vision Council of America has the perfect shape of shades for the shape of your face:

• Why the long face? If your face is oblong, you’ll want smaller angular or horizontal lines. They help balance things out.

• If you’re a square, you’ll need to soften things up with curvy frames or oval lenses.

• If you’ve got a round face, strong angular frames are the way to go to slim your cheeks a bit.

• If you’re an oval, you’re in luck. They all look good on you so you can’t go wrong.

Working Nouns

Check your resume. There are probably too many verbs on there. 

There is a lot of advice out there about words NOT to use on your resume. So which ones should be on there? Nouns, and lots of them. According to Karen Burns, author of “The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl,” most of us waste precious resume space with too many verbs and adjectives like “achieved” or “skilled.” Karen says employers and their software scan resumes for certifications, degrees, job titles and products, all nouns. 

If you’re at a loss for nouns, check the job description. It’s crucial that your resume contains some of the exact words and phrasing that the description has. If you see any specific nouns more than once, make sure to include them on your resume as much as possible. Those are most likely the words their eyes or software is are scanning for.

Chew Gum and Drive

Can you chew gum and drive? 

Here’s an item for your center console or glove box in your car – chewing gum. Every car should have some. According to data in the journal Brain and Cognition, chewing gum while driving can do wonders for your skill. That action for your jaw muscles stimulates specific areas of the brain that enhance reaction time, peripheral vision and sense of direction. 

Flavor can give the benefit a boost. Mint flavored gum was found to be the most effective. If you’re stuck in the back seat, chewing mint gum can also reduce symptoms of motion sickness.

Clean This Today

Your refrigerator is disgusting! 

Cleaning the refrigerator can be a huge chore. If you don’t have time to empty out the whole thing, there are a few spots you really need to clean more often. There’s probably stuff growing in the vegetable compartment and it isn’t produce. Wash that more often with mild detergent and warm water to reduce foodborne pathogens in there. The same goes for your meat compartment. 

If your fridge has a water dispenser, it won’t clean itself. Check your refrigerator manual for cleaning instructions. The water spout should be cleaned weekly and the water and ice dispensing systems once a year.

Source: https://www.nsf.org/consumer/newsroom/fact_germs_germiest_kitchen.asp

Iced Tea Time

Iced tea is good for you. Don’t waste your money on store-bought iced tea – brew your own. It’s simple, less expensive and better for you. Black and darker oolong teas are the best for brewing. They’re stronger and won’t get as watered down with the ice. Black tea also has a combination of compounds that reduces stress so you can really chill out. It’s best to use boiling water for black, herbal and dark teas that you’ll be icing.

If you prefer green tea or lighter oolong or herbal tea, they will taste less bitter if you use hot water instead of boiling. If you’ll be keeping a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge, toss some lemon in there. The vitamin C helps to preserve the healthy compounds and flavonoids. 

Major League Focus

Would you like the focus of a major-league baseball player? 

Dr. Jason Selk, director of mental training for the St. Louis Cardinals has a major-league approach that anyone can use. He says we should be doing this 100 second workout every day to keep ourselves in the lineup, mentally: 

• Step 1 takes 15 seconds: Center your breath. Inhale for 6 seconds, hold for 2, then slowly exhale for 7 seconds.

• Step 2 takes 5 seconds: Identity statement. Determine your goal and form a statement. For example, I am a skilled pitcher and I will throw a strike – or, I am an intelligent person and I will find my keys. 

• Step 3 takes 60 seconds: Hit play on your mental highlights reel. Visualize everything you’ve done well in the past 24 hours, then, visualize everything you WILL do well in the next 24 hours.

• Step 4 takes 5 seconds: Repeat step 2, that’s your identity statement.

• Step 5 takes 15 seconds: We’re back to step 1. Take a deep cleansing breath, hold and exhale slowly.

Now you are ready to go out there and succeed. The 100 second workout is most effective if you get in the routine of doing it every day, even if you’re on the bench. 

What's Up Doc?

Doctors are supposed to be sources of good medical advice. But it’s really amazing how some of them haven’t got a clue.:

Parents turn to their pediatrician for expert advice and accurate information about their child's health and development. However, findings from a new study suggest that thousands of pediatricians subscribe to various popular parenting myths that have proven to be untrue. For example:

● 15 percent of pediatricians surveyed said children should not swim until 30 minutes after eating

● 17 percent said vitamin C helps ward off colds

● 16 percent said eating carrots will improve a child's vision

● 8 percent said eating chocolate causes acne

● 11 percent said listening to Mozart will make a baby smarter 

● 7 percent said reading in the dark causes visual problems

● 7 percent said sitting too close to the TV will damage vision

● 9 percent said sleeping with a night light causes nearsightedness.

Again, all of these things have been proven to be untrue. And doctors should probably know better.

Eat Your Brocoli

Eat your broccoli! Seriously, it's really good for you. There's new research from the University of California at Berkeley that says broccoli has unique compounds that can double the number of white blood cells in the body. That high count builds your immunity and fights off bugs, and can actually fight off cancer. Low in calories, high in vitamins A and C and antioxidants, the best way to eat your broccoli is raw or steamed.

But however you like it – or even if you don’t – find a way to get it into your diet.

Fat-Talker

Does this make me look fat? If you think you look fat today – keep it to yourself. Nobody likes a fat-talker. A recent study from the Notre Dame Body Image and Eating Disorder Lab listened to women discussing weight. Those who engaged in fat-talk and complained about their weight were less likeable than those with positive comments and healthier self-esteem. 

The researchers said some women chew the fat with talk about weight as a means of bonding with other women. However, those who did not engage in fat-talk or put themselves down were perceived as friendlier and less likely to put others down or talk behind their back.

In-Flight Freebies

If you’re flying somewhere anytime soon, get some free stuff while you’re up there. Fight attendant Beth Blair has the list of in-flight freebies:

• Sanitizing wipes: Flight attendants usually have them on hand and you should de-germ your space before you settle in.

• The whole can: A small cup filled with ice often leaves you with just a few sips of whatever you ordered. Go ahead and ask for the whole can so you don’t have to wait around for refills.

• Wing pins for kids: They’re a great memento of the flight – but don’t bug the pilot. Flight attendants have a stash of those somewhere in the cabin.

• Basic medicines and bandages: You might be able to score some in-flight relief for headache or heartburn. Ice packs and bandages are free too.

• Short-term babysitting: Beth says flight attendants are often more than willing to watch a baby or child for a few minutes while a parent runs to the bathroom or stretches his or her legs. 

• Help finding a doctor: In the case of a medical emergency, flight attendants are trained to find professional help either on board, or arrange for it to be waiting on the ground.

• Cockpit tours: They are still possible. The best time for a visit is usually after a flight has landed. Beth says pilots love to show off their office to visitors, especially wide-eyed children. 

Pet Appeal

It’s official – pet owners are healthier. Researchers are taking the pulse of pet owners and they seem more alive and well. Dr. Glenn Levine, professor at Baylor College of Medicine, says pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with a decrease of heart disease. The American Heart Association agrees. 

Anyone who owns a dog knows you’re going to have to get up and moving sooner or later. People with dogs tend to be more active because they walk them, feed them and interact with them on command. The other side effects of pet ownership include lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and significantly lower levels of stress - all good for your heart and overall well being. 

You're Fired

Are you the boss? If you’re in charge, firing people can be hard work – but Steve Tobak from Inc. Magazine says these employees have GOT to go:

* They're a Troublemaker. When employees create more problems than they're worth, the damage to the organization can outweight their achievements. It’s time to cut them loose.

* They Overpromise and Underdeliver. Some people have such overly inflated self-images without results to back that up. Egomaniacs are a waste of resources. 

* They Act Out With Customers. Small business or large, customers are hard to gain and easy to lose. You can’t afford to keep this employee. 

* They Can't or Won't Do the Job. You hire and pay people to do a job. Your job is to be clear about what that entails and give them the tools and training they need to get the job done. Their job is then to do it, or find another job.

* They're Entitled. If someone thinks they can’t be fired or threatens litigation, cut them loose. They might throw a fit and you might get sued, but they can only do it once, and then you're rid of them for good.