Life Kit: Health

By NPR

What's Life Kit: Health about?

Taking care of yourself shouldn't be complicated. We talk to the experts for practical advice to live a long and healthy life, based on science. Subscribe to get episodes from Life Kit on health and wellness.

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Life Kit: Health episodes:

04.15.2024
Protect your ears from hearing loss
People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine with the help of hearing experts — and get surprising advice on phone...
03.21.2024
How to take care of your eyes
Eye health is more than just an annual eye exam. Learn how to protect your eyes from screens, read your prescription and understand what does and does not affect your vision. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
03.18.2024
How much protein do you need?
Our bodies need protein to maintain muscle. That's important because muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then declines. In this episode, tips about understanding how much protein you really need. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
02.27.2024
Thoughts on Ozempic from a body-positive doctor
The popular weight loss drug Ozempic makes shedding pounds seem like magic. But the reality is more complicated, says family physician Dr. Mara Gordon. She explains why it's hard to talk about Ozempic without addressing weight stigma and diet culture. Learn...
02.26.2024
Here's how to take better naps
Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A sleep psychologist and a sleep physician explain the factors of the perfect nap and the importance...
02.06.2024
5 simple ways to minimize stress
Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offers five accessible ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
01.30.2024
Improve your indoor air quality
Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality and change your habits to limit indoor air pollution. This episode originally aired on May...
01.25.2024
How to have a healthy relationship with caffeine
Worry you're drinking too much coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug — and explain why caffeine may not deserve its bad reputation. This episode originally aired on...
01.22.2024
Why being uncomfortable is important
The feeling of discomfort has an important role to play. On one hand, it can be a helpful warning sign. On the other hand, too much of it can lead to distress. Dr. Kali Cyrus explains how to identify these...
01.16.2024
Your body is changing. So should your fitness routine
Life happens. Sometimes we get injured or sick — and of course we get older. As we change, so should our exercise routine. Here's how to adapt your fitness plan to meet your body where it is. Learn more about sponsor...
01.15.2024
Soothe your stress in minutes
Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz talks about some of the 75 evidence-based tips from her book Stress Resets: How to...
01.09.2024
Sleep myths, busted
There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyone get a better night's sleep. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
01.04.2024
How to start an exercise habit
You don't have to be a marathoner or a gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. And that sort of "go big or go home" mentality can actually be a block to getting movement. This episode, we bust...
01.01.2024
How to make resolutions you'll keep
Happy New Year! If you want to make a resolution that sticks, the key to success is creating what's known as a SMART goal. This episode outlines how SMART goals work and how they can help you use your time...
12.28.2023
Ready to get running? A starter guide
Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. You don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many people are told that running is not for them because of their body type. We...
12.21.2023
How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do. (This episode originally aired in October 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...
12.09.2023
How to relieve constipation
Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episode was originally published July 10, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
12.05.2023
How to combat loneliness
1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attacks to dementia and premature death. Primary care physician and author of the new book...
12.04.2023
Make the most of your chilly outdoor workouts
How cold is too cold? What kind of gear should you wear? And how do you stay motivated to workout outside when the weather is dreary? Cold-loving runners and a doctor share their advice to get moving during the winter....
11.20.2023
Ready to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it
Dipping in cold water is a growing trend. It's not just for the thrill — people who cold plunge say it helps with anxiety, metabolic health and more. But is there science to support those claims? Learn more about sponsor message...
10.31.2023
Demystifying your health insurance plan
It's open enrollment season, meaning it's time to pick a health care plan. But it can be confusing to decipher all the acronyms and lingo of health care — so how do you pick the right health care plan for...
10.26.2023
How to save a life with CPR
Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help double or triple survival rates. In this episode, we'll explain the basics of this emergency...
09.19.2023
Fiber is a dietary superhero. Are you eating enough of it?
NPR's Maria Godoy is a self-proclaimed fiber fanatic. She shares eight ways to add fiber to your diet (munch on popcorn!) and provides a grocery list of high-fiber foods that you can print out at home. Learn more about sponsor message...
09.11.2023
Scarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully
Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She shares how to enjoy meals while paying attention. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
08.21.2023
Meal prep made easy
What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal prep techniques that can alleviate stress and save money. This episode originally published January 31, 2023. Learn more...
08.17.2023
Protect your hearing and ears
If you find yourself in loud clubs, concerts or cities, you might be doing more damage to your hearing than you think. People of all ages are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, but few of us know what to...
08.08.2023
Millennial? Gen Z? It may be time for colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among young people. In this episode, we explain the risk, symptoms to look out for and how to get screened. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
07.31.2023
Minimize your back pain while cooking
Many of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. It might not disappear entirely, but you can find ways to comfortably perform everyday tasks like cooking. This episode offers strategies for minimizing your pain when making...
07.27.2023
Bring more play into your life
Play isn't just fun. Researchers argue it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. We'll help you figure out your play personality and how to prioritize play in your life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...
07.24.2023
Make a salad you want to eat
We should all be eating more vegetables. One fast way to do that: toss them in a salad! We'll cover how to make nutritious, affordable, and, most importantly, crave-worthy salads. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
07.10.2023
What to do when you're constipated
We've got a step-by-step guide for that SOS moment when you haven't pooped in days and days. Plus: tips to help you avoid chronic constipation, and a little toilet pep talk from a gastroenterologist. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...
06.29.2023
Learning how to swim could save your life. Here's where to start
Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. According to the CDC, an average of 11 people die daily from drowning in the U.S. Here...
06.22.2023
How to start running in the body you have
Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. It gets you from point A to point B, you don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many people are told that running is...
06.20.2023
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them
Ultra-processed foods are tasty, cheap and everywhere. But they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy lays out ways to spot and avoid ultra-processed foods during your next grocery run. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
05.29.2023
Pick the best sunscreen for you
No matter your skin tone, sunscreen keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But to use it right, you need to know a few things: What SPF to use, how often to reapply and the difference between...
05.23.2023
What to do when you're feeling anxious
Anxiety can feel awful and overwhelming. But it can also be a helpful warning signal — telling us when we're in danger or out of alignment with our true feelings. We share tips on how to turn down the dial...
05.11.2023
Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you
Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy but far fewer for renegotiating your sense of self in every part of your life....
05.09.2023
5 ways to improve your indoor air quality
Want fresher, cleaner air at home? We share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality, and change your habits to limit indoor air pollution. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR...
05.02.2023
A better way to talk to your doctor
Ever leave the doctor's office confused or with unanswered questions? Talking to doctors and other medical professionals can be hard - whether they're good at their jobs or not. We'll give you the tools to get more out of your...
03.21.2023
How to have the STIs conversation
With Dr. Evalene Dacker, we lay out the science of STIs and then give you language to talk about them and, more broadly, about sex, with a potential partner. Because for something so fun, sex can be hard to talk...
03.07.2023
The truth about caffeine
75% of Americans consume some kind of caffeine at least once a day. Whether your caffeine of choice is coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks, how do you know that it's working for you and not against you? We speak...
03.06.2023
The period talk you never got
This episode, we hear from two period experts on understanding the science of periods, management techniques and how to know when something is wrong. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
02.27.2023
Teeth: an owner's manual
Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teeth, from finding good dentist, to home teeth whitening, to the best...
01.23.2023
Practical tips for exercising in the cold
What kind of gear should you wear? How cold is too cold? And how do you stay motivated to say, run outdoors, when the weather is dreary? Athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir, author of Running While Black, and Dr....
10.25.2022
How to wake up early, even if you're a night owl
Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early or you'd like to become more of a morning lark, here are a few...
10.11.2022
Tips for finding relief from IBS
More than 25 million Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While IBS symptoms present in the gut, it turns out that stress and anxiety can actually exacerbate symptoms. Here's how to identify triggers for IBS, eat a diet that decreases gas...
08.29.2022
Exercises to 'futureproof' your body against chronic pain
Vinh Pham, physical therapist and author of "Sit Up Straight: Futureproof Your Body Against Chronic Pain with 12 Simple Movements," explains why mobility exercises and good posture may be your best defense against muscle and joint pain. Learn more about sponsor...
06.16.2022
How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination
When your days are packed, it can be hard to find some "me time" time to unwind. You might find yourself staying up past your bedtime, scrolling on social media or watching an extra episode of your latest show, That's...
05.02.2022
How to make the most of your health insurance
Using your health insurance doesn't have to be on an "in-case-of-emergency" basis. Learn how to make the most of your coverage by taking advantage of preventative care, strategically timing procedures and getting exercise classes covered. Learn more about sponsor message choices:...
04.23.2022
Masks are off on public transit. How to assess risk in a less-masked world
Now that a federal judge has thrown out mask mandates on public transportation, many people are wondering, "How safe is it to use these forms of travel if many people aren't masked?" In this episode Life Kit, learn how to...

What's Life Kit: Health about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Life Kit: Health episodes:

Protect your ears from hearing loss

How to take care of your eyes

How much protein do you need?

Thoughts on Ozempic from a body-positive doctor

Here's how to take better naps

5 simple ways to minimize stress

Improve your indoor air quality

How to have a healthy relationship with caffeine

Why being uncomfortable is important

Your body is changing. So should your fitness routine

Soothe your stress in minutes

Sleep myths, busted

How to start an exercise habit

How to make resolutions you'll keep

Ready to get running? A starter guide

How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

How to relieve constipation

How to combat loneliness

Make the most of your chilly outdoor workouts

Ready to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it

Demystifying your health insurance plan

How to save a life with CPR

Fiber is a dietary superhero. Are you eating enough of it?

Scarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully

Meal prep made easy

Protect your hearing and ears

Millennial? Gen Z? It may be time for colorectal cancer screening

Minimize your back pain while cooking

Bring more play into your life

Make a salad you want to eat

What to do when you're constipated

Learning how to swim could save your life. Here's where to start

How to start running in the body you have

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them

Pick the best sunscreen for you

What to do when you're feeling anxious

Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you

5 ways to improve your indoor air quality

A better way to talk to your doctor

How to have the STIs conversation

The truth about caffeine

The period talk you never got

Teeth: an owner's manual

Practical tips for exercising in the cold

How to wake up early, even if you're a night owl

Tips for finding relief from IBS

Exercises to 'futureproof' your body against chronic pain

How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination

How to make the most of your health insurance

Masks are off on public transit. How to assess risk in a less-masked world