Bad Idea

If you need to come up with a really good idea, think of a really dumb one first. 

There is a lot of advice out there on effective brainstorming techniques but here’s one you probably haven’t tried. Come up with some really BAD ideas. Bryan Mattimore, author of “Idea Stormers,” says terrible ideas can do wonders at generating some good ones. The bad idea approach is especially effective in a group. It takes the fear out of contributing because it’s not only fun, it takes the pressure off - the dumber the idea, the better.

Once you come up with some really bad stuff, it’s time to flip it around. Consider the opposites or solutions to the bad ideas and you’ll likely find a spark that may not have presented itself otherwise.

Goodbye Doctor

A lot of doctors are leaving their private practices. 

Don’t be surprised you get wind of your doctor leaving his or her private practice. Unfortunately, a lot of them are doing just that and opting into larger hospital systems due to the rising costs of owning or running a private practice. If you really like your doctor, you may be tempted to follow them. Dr. Charles B. Inlander, author of “Take This Book to the Hospital With You,” says be sure to ask these questions before you go:

* Will your doctor refer his patients outside the hospital’s system? Some hospitals require doctors to refer only in-house even when they believe an outside colleague may be better. 

* What happens if your doctor leaves the hospital? Some hospitals require doctors to sign a noncompete clause that prohibits them from practicing in the local area if they quit or are let go by the hospital. To protect yourself: Ask your doctor whether he would still be available to treat you if he leaves the hospital for any reason. 

* Will you be shuffled around? Some people who have followed their doctors to hospital practices have been disappointed because they are sometimes forced to see other doctors in the practice when they show up for their appointments.

* Are your medical records transferable? Most hospitals have their own unique electronic medical record system that is available only to their personnel. Ask for paper copies of your medical history.

Mobile Crime

The next time you need to make a call in public, step inside. 

Most of us use our cell phones in public without giving it much thought - but we really should. Cell phone theft is on the rise and putting us at risk in public places. 40% of all robberies in San Francisco last year were of cell phones and that trend is sweeping cities all over the world. If you need to use your phone, it’s best to step inside a building first as thieves will have less getaway opportunity there. 

If you absolutely have to use it on the street, look around first. Take in your surroundings and avoid getting distracted by checking email or fooling around with your phone. That makes you a prime target. When you’re not using your phone, keep it OUT of sight, not in your hand.

Say Cheese

Want to prevent cavities? Say cheese! 

Preventing cavities never tasted so good. A new study says eating cheese is one of the best things we can do for our teeth. Dairy products in general are important to our oral health but there’s something about cheese that kicks it up a notch. It’s a combination of chewing, increased saliva and a spike in pH levels that does the trick. 

Of course you’ll need to brush and floss too, but not right after you eat the cheese. The dental friendly compounds in the cheese adhere to your teeth and infuse them with protection, so hold off on the brushing for at least an hour.

Summer Job

Interviewing for a job this summer? Don’t do that on a Friday. 

Those summer jobs are filling up fast and if you hope to get one, here are some tips from hiring managers to increase your odds:

* Don’t schedule the interview on a Friday. Managers minds are starting to wander into the weekend and you’ll be less memorable.

* Offer to work beyond the summer. Even students who offer to return on weekends or holidays will increase their hiring potential.

* Lose the sunglasses and flip flops. It may be beautiful outside but it’s business as usual inside.

* Dress up. While it may be uncomfortable on a hot day, casual summer attire will not help you get hired.

* Be patient. Even if the person interviewing you hasn’t scheduled a vacation, there’s a good chance someone in the hiring chain has. It may take longer to get a response.