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.