Life Kit: Health
209 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★ - 347 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
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
Exercises to 'futureproof' your body against chronic pain
August 29, 2022 04:03 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBVinh 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 message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination
June 16, 2022 07:03 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBWhen 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 called "revenge bedtime procrastination." These tips can help you overcome it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to make the most of your health insurance
May 02, 2022 04:03 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBUsing 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: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Masks are off on public transit. How to assess risk in a less-masked world
April 23, 2022 04:03 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MBNow 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 assess your risk and make the best choice for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to pick a birth control that works for you
March 07, 2022 05:03 - 25 minutes - 23 MBPicking a form of contraception can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth control works, your preferences, side effects and more. This episode presents the facts so you can choose the contraception that works for you. (This episode originally aired in February 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to pick a birth control that works for you
March 07, 2022 05:03 - 25 minutes - 23 MBPicking a form of contraception can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth control works, your preferences, side effects and more. This episode presents the facts so you can choose the contraception that works for you. (This episode originally aired in February 2020.)
How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
January 27, 2022 05:03 - 19 minutes - 17.9 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 talk to your Latinx parents about mental health
January 18, 2022 05:03 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBShame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their families. These steps can help you prepare for the conversation with your loved ones. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to talk to your Latinx parents about mental health
January 18, 2022 05:03 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBShame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their families. These steps can help you prepare for the conversation with your loved ones.
Need to make a change in your life? Behavioral science can help
January 17, 2022 05:03 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBWhen's the best time to start a new habit? And what makes some stick while others fall by the wayside? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's new book, How to Change, breaks down the research about how to leverage human nature instead of working against it to achieve your goals. (This episode originally aired in May 2021.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to talk about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who are hesitant
January 15, 2022 05:03 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBInfectious disease specialist Dr. Jasmine Marcelin shares how she has conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who have doubts about getting vaccinated. (A version of this episode originally aired on NPR's Short Wave.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
A pediatrician's advice on omicron, daycare and travel for kids under 5
January 08, 2022 05:03 - 9 minutes - 8.95 MBAmid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. In this episode, infectious disease doctor Ibukun Kalu answers listeners' questions on the latest COVID variant, daycare and travel for unvaccinated children. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to divest from diet culture
January 04, 2022 05:03 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBIn 2021, nearly half of all new year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on weight loss. Why do we set these goals for ourselves? Diet culture, the social expectations that value thinness and appearance above all else, can impact how we view our bodies and treat others. The good news is, we can free ourselves from this mindset.
How to divest from diet culture
January 04, 2022 05:03 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBIn 2021, nearly half of all new year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on weight loss. Why do we set these goals for ourselves? Diet culture, the social expectations that value thinness and appearance above all else, can impact how we view our bodies and treat others. The good news is, we can free ourselves from this mindset. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Mindfulness for beginners
January 03, 2022 05:03 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIt's counterintuitive, but an effective way to manage our negative reactions to life's stressors actually involves slowing down and paying very close attention. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction, explains how to begin a meditation practice — and how doing so can help you seize the present moment. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
When it comes to exercise, "all movements count"
December 30, 2021 05:03 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBFeeling blocked with it comes to starting an exercise habit? You can actually get the health benefits of exercise with just 22 minutes of exercise a day — and you might be surprised what "counts" as exercise. Kiss your excuses goodbye! (This episode originally aired in December 2018.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
6 tips on taking a break from drinking
December 27, 2021 05:03 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBThinking about taking a break from drinking? Here are ways to help you make a plan, navigate tricky social situations and reassess your relationship with alcohol so you can experience the benefits of dry January. (This episode originally aired in January 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How solitude can help you regulate your mood
December 23, 2021 05:45 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBEveryone needs a little alone time, but during this pandemic, you may have felt like you had too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance back! This episode breaks down research behind what makes even small bouts of solitude restorative and what to do when you're alone too much. (This episode originally aired in July 2020). Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
What happens in our brain when we grieve — and how it helps us stay afloat
December 18, 2021 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBWhen we lose a loved one, it can feel like we've lost a part of ourselves. And for good reason, our brains are learning how to live in this world without someone we care about in it. In this episode, psychologist Mary-Frances O'Connor explains what happens in our brain when we experience grief. (A version of this episode originally aired on NPR's Short Wave.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Omicron variant, COVID booster shots — and how to stay safe during the holidays
December 13, 2021 05:03 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBThe holiday season is well underway, and with it, a fresh batch of worries over the latest COVID-19 variant, omicron. For those planning end-of-year celebrations and travel, NPR senior science and health correspondent Maria Godoy breaks down the latest coronavirus news. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and how to get started
November 30, 2021 05:03 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBFreezing your eggs can open doors for your fertility. It's also emotional, time-consuming and expensive. Here are some things to think about before you decide to freeze your eggs — and what to know if you do, including how much it costs and how to prepare for the process. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and how to get started
November 30, 2021 05:03 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBFreezing your eggs can open doors for your fertility. It's also emotional, time-consuming and expensive. Here are some things to think about before you decide to freeze your eggs — and what to know if you do, including how much it costs and how to prepare for the process.
How To Build A Sleep Routine For You And Your Children
November 08, 2021 05:03 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBGetting enough sleep helps you focus, retain information and helps to fortify your immune system. But when it comes to children, they aren't always thinking about these benefits. For parents and caretakers struggling to get their little ones to bed on time, here are tips on establishing healthy sleeping habits — that can benefit your entire family. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How to wake up early, even if you're not a morning person
November 04, 2021 04:03 - 21 minutes - 19.8 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.
How to wake up early, even if you're not a morning person
November 04, 2021 04:03 - 21 minutes - 19.8 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
How to create a basic skin care routine
October 28, 2021 04:03 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBYour skin is your largest organ. If you want to care for it without getting sucked into a wormhole of pharmacological-sounding mumbo jumbo, this guide to building a basic skin care routine is for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Climate Anxiety Is Real. Here's How To Address It
October 25, 2021 04:03 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBThe climate crisis is here, and if you feel climate anxiety, that's a totally normal response. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or numb when you start thinking about the bigger picture, but it's important to let yourself feel all those emotions, says ecotherapist Phoenix Smith. In this episode, Smith talks about tools to acknowledge and use these feelings for the decades to come. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan
October 18, 2021 04:03 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBPicking health insurance takes a lot of work. It's not a one-size-fits-all type of situation, and there are a lot of confusing terms that come up every year. You also need to consider your general health and finances. So how can you make sense of it all? That's where we come in. In this episode of Life Kit, we'll have experts guide you on where to look for coverage, how to narrow down plans — and how to get trustworthy help if you need it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastc...
5 Tips For Getting Started With Strength Training
October 12, 2021 04:03 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBStrength training is a great way to exercise efficiently while preventing injury. And while it's not that difficult to get into it, it can be intimidating if you don't know what you're doing. That's where we're going to help! In this episode, you'll hear from experts about their tips to get started and find a training plan that works for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How You Can Help Someone At Risk Of Suicide
September 28, 2021 04:03 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBResearch shows that suicide is preventable. And while surveys have shown that Americans know this, they might not know how to help someone who may be at risk. It's National Suicide Prevention Month, and we're looking at ways you can help if you know someone who is struggling. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Is It Laziness, Or A Sign You Need To Slow Down?
September 23, 2021 04:03 - 17 minutes - 16 MBWe don't question whether our pets, friends or family have earned their right to exist, so why do we sometimes think about our own lives in those terms? What we learn about the value of productivity and the negative connotation of "laziness" is part of the problem, says social psychologist Devon Price. In this episode, Price, author of Laziness Does Not Exist, shares tips for rethinking the concept of laziness and how feeling "lazy" is actually a useful signal from our bodies and our deepest...
Is It Laziness, Or A Sign You Need To Slow Down?
September 23, 2021 04:03 - 17 minutes - 16 MBWe don't question whether our pets, friends or family have earned their right to exist, so why do we sometimes think about our own lives in those terms? What we learn about the value of productivity and the negative connotation of "laziness" is part of the problem, says social psychologist Devon Price. In this episode, Price, author of Laziness Does Not Exist, shares tips for rethinking the concept of laziness and how feeling "lazy" is actually a useful signal from our bodies and our deepest...
In 'We're Not Broken,' Author Eric Garcia Takes On Myths About Autism
September 20, 2021 04:03 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBWhether you know it or not, you know somebody who is autistic. So if you think autism doesn't affect you, you're wrong, says Eric Garcia. In this episode, Garcia, author of We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation, talks about myths surrounding autism, how to talk about it and how to help your autistic loved one live their most fulfilling life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
There's More To Getting In Shape Than How You Look
September 14, 2021 04:03 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBExercise is important, but balancing exercise with mental health and your own body confidence can be a tricky thing to pull off. In this episode, we talk to experts about how to keep comfortable in your body as it changes, and how to find that balance while exercising. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How To Start Hormone Replacement Therapy
September 13, 2021 04:03 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBMedical transition-related treatments like hormone replacement therapy are associated with overwhelmingly positive outcomes in terms of both physical and mental health for transgender people. But, it can be hard to know exactly how to get started. In this episode of NPR's Short Wave, reporter James Factora explains where to start, common misconceptions about HRT, and the importance of finding community through the process. You can read James' full reporting for VICE here. Learn more about ...
How To Tap Into The Good Anxiety In Your Life
September 09, 2021 04:03 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBAnxiety can feel like the enemy, and it's easy to want to obliterate those feelings. But that might not be the best approach, according to Wendy Suzuki. In this episode, Suzuki, author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion, outlines strategies to turn that sinking feeling into something productive. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
How To Keep Your Kids Safe From The Delta Variant
August 30, 2021 04:03 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBReturning to in-person schooling is both a relief — and a source of great anxiety — for a lot of parents this year. The pandemic is still happening. The Delta variant is surging. And millions of children are too young to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The news changes fast — updates on vaccine trials and breakthrough infections seem to roll in every day — but there's still a lot the whole family can do to stay as safe as possible. In this episode NPR health reporter Pien Huang shares tips from publ...
'Can I Ask That?' Tips For Navigating Questions About Booster Shots And More
August 24, 2021 04:03 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MBPeople are making up for time lost during the pandemic. Weddings are happening again. People are hosting cookouts, and going on vacation. Some people are heading back to in-person school and adjusting to working from the office again. But the health crisis is not over, and people in different parts of the country are taking very different approaches to that fact. These different approaches and thoughts are presenting some tricky situations, like asking people if they have or plan to get a CO...
Do's And Don'ts For Parents Whose Kids Have Gained Weight In The Pandemic
August 16, 2021 04:03 - 10 minutes - 9.5 MBIf you've noticed that your kid put on some weight during the pandemic and you're not sure what — if anything — to do about it, you're not alone. Weight is an incredibly fraught topic — and an imperfect indicator of health. As parents, a kid's sudden weight gain can be hard to know how to tackle — the last thing we'd want is to do anything that might create poor body image for our children or set the stage for eating disorders. We spoke to doctors and specialists who work with kids. In this...
What You Should Know About The Delta Variant
July 24, 2021 04:03 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBWe're in another unsettling moment in the pandemic. Even people who are vaccinated are wondering if it's time to be cautious again, given the rise in cases, the fast-spreading Delta variant and reports of vaccinated people testing positive. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey offers some guidance and answers questions on what we know about the Delta variant. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
4 Tips To Beat Extreme Heat
July 19, 2021 04:03 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBRecord-breaking temperatures resulting from climate change are a global problem. And while our bodies have ways to dissipate heat, sometimes they just can't keep up with extreme temperatures. Here are four tips from experts on how to stay safe and cool in extreme heat. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains The Importance Of SPF
June 01, 2021 04:03 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBAh, summer. If you're making plans to head outside to enjoy the weather, don't forget to pack your sunscreen. What's that? You don't need it? Yes, you do. Here's why, and how to use it effectively. (This episode originally ran in July 2020.) This is the second in our week of episodes all about getting outside. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Understanding The Latest CDC Mask Guidance
May 22, 2021 04:03 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBThe CDC says vaccinated folks don't need masks in most settings. NPR's Short Wave team breaks down that guidance and the pushback. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Feeling Foggy? It's Not Just You
May 17, 2021 04:03 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBThe stress and trauma from the past year have taken a toll on all of our brains. Mental health care providers say their patients are reporting brain fog and fatigue. If that sounds familiar, here's why — and what you can do. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Feeling Foggy? It's Not Just You
May 17, 2021 04:03 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBThe stress and trauma from the past year have taken a toll on all of our brains. Mental health care providers say their patients are reporting brain fog and fatigue. If that sounds familiar, here's why — and what you can do.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Going Maskless
May 10, 2021 04:03 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBThere are lots of things to consider if you're planning on shedding your mask. In this episode, NPR science editor Maria Godoy joins us to walk through the CDC recommendations and the research to back them up. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Going Maskless
May 10, 2021 04:03 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBThere are lots of things to consider if you're planning on shedding your mask. In this episode, NPR science editor Maria Godoy joins us to walk through the CDC recommendations and the research to back them up.
Reframing (And Reclaiming) Your Relationship With Food
April 29, 2021 04:03 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBThe practice of intuitive eating is about reconnecting with our bodies, trusting our physical signals and forging a healthy relationship with food. And — importantly — it's not about losing weight. (This episode originally ran in 2019.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy