Life Kit: Health
206 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 333 ratingsTaking 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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Episodes
Take charge of your gyno visit
May 16, 2024 07:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBA visit to the gynecologist isn't just an essential part of your health routine. It's an opportunity to ask questions about your reproductive health, from birth control to painful periods to a decreased interest in sex. Dr. Rachel Bervell, co-founder of The Black OBGYN Project, explains how women and trans or non-binary people can structure their next visit — and get the answers they need. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jet lag is 'not a choice' — here's what to know
May 14, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBTaylor Swift claimed that "jet lag is a choice" at this year's Super Bowl. Sleep scientists like Jade Wu would like you to know they very much disagree. The disorder can throw your body clock out of whack and leave you feeling sluggish — not great when you're on a big vacation abroad. Wu explains how to make jet lag less miserable and more manageable. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Curbing needle phobia in adults starts with making shots less painful for kids
April 29, 2024 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBApproximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researchers developed a five step plan to prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. NPR's Short Wave talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a team to implement the plan at his own hospital, about how to eliminate pain during shots. Learn more about sponso...
Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise. Here's what to know
April 25, 2024 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBIn the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates are rising among people under age 50. This episode, we explore how you can lower your risk and make sure you catch colorectal cancer early. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Protect your ears from hearing loss
April 15, 2024 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBPeople 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 volume, noise exposure and Q-tips. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to take care of your eyes
March 21, 2024 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBEye 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
How much protein do you need?
March 18, 2024 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBOur 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
Thoughts on Ozempic from a body-positive doctor
February 27, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBThe 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 more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Here's how to take better naps
February 26, 2024 08:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBNaps 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 of daytime rest. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
5 simple ways to minimize stress
February 06, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBDr. 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
Improve your indoor air quality
January 30, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBWant 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 9th, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to have a healthy relationship with caffeine
January 25, 2024 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBWorry 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 March 7, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Why being uncomfortable is important
January 22, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe 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 emotions – and take action if it starts to affect your physical and mental health. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Your body is changing. So should your fitness routine
January 16, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBLife 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 message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Soothe your stress in minutes
January 15, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBWhether 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 Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Sleep myths, busted
January 09, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBThere 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
How to start an exercise habit
January 04, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBYou 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 common misconceptions about exercise so you can get moving in a way that feels good to you. This episode originally published December 15, 2018. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to make resolutions you'll keep
January 01, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBHappy 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 for the things that matter most. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Ready to get running? A starter guide
December 28, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBRunning 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 talk to Martinus Evans, a running coach and the author of "Slow AF Run Club," about how you can start running in the body you have. This episode was originally published June 22, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
December 21, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBIt'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 Privacy Policy
How to relieve constipation
December 09, 2023 14:32 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBHaven'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
How to combat loneliness
December 05, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB1 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 Project UnLonely Dr. Jeremy Nobel offers tips to feel less lonely and open up to connection again. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Make the most of your chilly outdoor workouts
December 04, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBHow 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. This episode originally published January 19, 2023 Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Ready to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it
November 20, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBDipping 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 choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Demystifying your health insurance plan
October 31, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIt'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 you? This episode, we break down commonly used terms and offer a strategy to help crunch the numbers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to save a life with CPR
October 26, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBEvery 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 procedure so you can feel empowered to help in a life-or-death situation. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Fiber is a dietary superhero. Are you eating enough of it?
September 19, 2023 07:03 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBNPR'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 choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Scarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully
September 11, 2023 07:03 - 15 minutes - 14 MBEating 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
Meal prep made easy
August 21, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWhat'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 about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Protect your hearing and ears
August 17, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBIf 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 do about it. In this episode, how to protect your ears: what your phone volume should really be at, which earplugs work best and how to know if your earwax is actually a problem. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Millennial? Gen Z? It may be time for colorectal cancer screening
August 08, 2023 04:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBColorectal 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
Minimize your back pain while cooking
July 31, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBMany 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 a meal – like chopping and loading an oven with minimal discomfort. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Bring more play into your life
July 27, 2023 04:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBPlay 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 Privacy Policy
Make a salad you want to eat
July 24, 2023 07:03 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBWe 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
What to do when you're constipated
July 10, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBWe'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 Privacy Policy
Learning how to swim could save your life. Here's where to start
June 29, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBKnowing 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 are some tips to start swimming at any age. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to start running in the body you have
June 22, 2023 07:03 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBRunning 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 not for them because of their body type. We talk to Martinus Evans, author of "Slow AF Run Club," about how you can start running in the body you have. We cover motivation, equipment, pace, form, cross-training and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.co...
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them
June 20, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBUltra-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
Pick the best sunscreen for you
May 29, 2023 04:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBNo 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 chemical and physical sunscreen. We explain what to look for on the back of a sunscreen bottle and how to use it effectively. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
What to do when you're feeling anxious
May 23, 2023 04:03 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBAnxiety 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 on your anxiety symptoms, so you can listen to what they're trying to tell you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you
May 11, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBPregnancy 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. We'll discuss the effect of pregnancy on the brain, the importance of embracing negative feelings and strategies for maintaining changing relationships. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
5 ways to improve your indoor air quality
May 09, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBWant 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 Privacy Policy
A better way to talk to your doctor
May 02, 2023 07:03 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBEver 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 appointments. We'll talk about how to choose a provider, prepare for your visit, ask the right questions, and get your provider's attention if they're not hearing you. To support our work at NPR and listen to the show sponsor-free, sign up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.or...
How to have the STIs conversation
March 21, 2023 04:03 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBWith 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 about. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
The truth about caffeine
March 07, 2023 05:03 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB75% 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 with experts about how you can assess your relationship to caffeine and explore why caffeine may not deserve its bad rap. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
The period talk you never got
March 06, 2023 05:03 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBThis 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
Teeth: an owner's manual
February 27, 2023 08:03 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBBrush 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 brushing techniques. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Practical tips for exercising in the cold
January 23, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBWhat 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. Kelechi Okoroha, a sports medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, share their best advice. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to wake up early, even if you're a night owl
October 25, 2022 04:03 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBWaking 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 habits that can help you set yourself up for success at that first alarm. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Tips for finding relief from IBS
October 11, 2022 07:03 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBMore 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 and bloating — and learn where to seek help. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy