Life Kit: Health artwork

Life Kit: Health

209 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★ - 347 ratings

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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Episodes

The Sex Ed Most Queer Students Never Got

April 27, 2021 04:03 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

School health classes in the U.S. rarely include instruction about sex for LGBTQ students. Here's what to know.

The Sex Ed Most Queer Students Never Got

April 27, 2021 04:03 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

School health classes in the U.S. rarely include instruction about sex for LGBTQ students. Here's what to know. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Why (And How) To Cut Back On Meat

April 19, 2021 04:05 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

Meat production takes a heavy toll on the environment. Here's how to dial back your meat intake and make a big impact. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Why (And How) To Cut Back On Meat

April 19, 2021 04:05 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

Meat production takes a heavy toll on the environment. Here's how to dial back your meat intake and make a big impact.

Navigating Life After Pregnancy Loss

April 12, 2021 04:03 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Despite how common pregnancy loss is, families often suffer in silence. In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, Life Kit teamed up with the hosts of the podcast docuseries NATAL to share stories from parents who have experienced loss, and expert advice about how to support loved ones through grief. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

How To Deal With Burnout

March 18, 2021 04:03 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

Burnout is common across the globe, and the pandemic has only exacerbated it. In this episode, experts unpack the signs of burnout and how you can gain more control over your work and your life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

What You Can Do Once You're Vaccinated, According To The CDC

March 15, 2021 04:03 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MB

Is an indoor visit between vaccinated friends safe? How about a hug with Grandma, even when young relatives haven't gotten their shots? The CDC released their guidelines for fully vaccinated people last week. Here's an explanation of what they advise, from NPR's Short Wave team. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Start Therapy (And Make It Work For You)

March 11, 2021 05:03 - 23 minutes

Plenty of people put off seeking therapy because of the stigma, cost and inconvenience. Here are four tips to help you make your first appointment, even virtually. (This episode originally ran in January 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Deciding When To Have A Baby

March 01, 2021 05:03 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. The pandemic makes it even tougher. In this episode, experts talk through what to consider.

Deciding When To Have A Baby

March 01, 2021 05:03 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. The pandemic makes it even tougher. In this episode, experts talk through what to consider. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Coping With Anxiety Around The News

January 18, 2021 05:03 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. (This episode originally ran in October 2020.)

Coping With Anxiety Around The News

January 18, 2021 05:03 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. (This episode originally ran in October 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

What To Say To People Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine

January 12, 2021 05:03 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

Many Americans remain unsure about whether to get the coronavirus vaccine. If you're talking to people in your life about getting it, make sure to lead with empathy and acknowledge what you don't know.

What To Say To People Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine

January 12, 2021 05:03 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

Many Americans remain unsure about whether to get the coronavirus vaccine. If you're talking to people in your life about getting it, make sure to lead with empathy and acknowledge what you don't know. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Trying To Form A Habit? Start Small

December 29, 2020 05:03 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

BJ Fogg's book "Tiny Habits" explains that making small changes in behavior requires just a little motivation and lots of celebrating — and can have a big impact. (This episode originally ran earlier this year.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Trying To Form A Habit? Start Small

December 29, 2020 05:03 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

BJ Fogg's book "Tiny Habits" explains that making small changes in behavior requires just a little motivation and lots of celebrating — and can have a big impact. (This episode originally ran earlier this year.)

Understanding The Biology Of Weight Loss

December 28, 2020 05:03 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

Biology makes it hard to lose weight, so don't beat yourself up. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to . But we'll explain science, which might help you be kinder to your body. (This episode originally ran in 2019.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Understanding The Biology Of Weight Loss

December 28, 2020 05:03 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

Biology makes it hard to lose weight, so don't beat yourself up. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to . But we'll explain science, which might help you be kinder to your body. (This episode originally ran in 2019.)

Cutting Back On Pandemic Drinking

December 17, 2020 05:03 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MB

Alcohol sales are high and Americans are drinking more during the pandemic. If you're thinking of cutting back or even taking a break, you're not alone. Life Kit talked to the experts about how to do that. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Avoiding The Common Cold This Year

December 07, 2020 05:03 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

The common cold is especially prevalent in the winter. Luckily, many steps we're taking to avoid the coronavirus help stop the spread of the cold, too. If you get it, here's what to watch for and when to call your doctor. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Avoiding The Common Cold This Year

December 07, 2020 05:03 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

The common cold is especially prevalent in the winter. Luckily, many steps we're taking to avoid the coronavirus help stop the spread of the cold, too. If you get it, here's what to watch for and when to call your doctor.

Peter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run

November 26, 2020 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

You don't need fancy equipment or a gym to start running. Grab your headphones and some sneakers and let Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me host Peter Sagal tell you how he keeps going.

Peter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run

November 26, 2020 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

You don't need fancy equipment or a gym to start running. Grab your headphones and some sneakers and let Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me host Peter Sagal tell you how he keeps going. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Happier

November 24, 2020 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

We could all use a little boost these days. Laurie Santos teaches a class on the science of happiness at Yale University, so we got her advice. (This episode originally ran in June 2020.)

Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Happier

November 24, 2020 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

We could all use a little boost these days. Laurie Santos teaches a class on the science of happiness at Yale University, so we got her advice. (This episode originally ran in June 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

How To Have A Safe Thanksgiving

November 23, 2020 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

All gatherings carry risk during COVID-19. If you're meeting with people outside your immediate household during Thanksgiving, you can mitigate that risk by taking some basic steps. NPR's Short Wave team shares advice from the experts. You can find more resources at NPR.org/shortwave.

How To Have A Safe Thanksgiving

November 23, 2020 05:03 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

All gatherings carry risk during COVID-19. If you're meeting with people outside your immediate household during Thanksgiving, you can mitigate that risk by taking some basic steps. NPR's Short Wave team shares advice from the experts. You can find more resources at NPR.org/shortwave. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

How To Take Care Of Yourself This Election Season

November 05, 2020 05:03 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

2020 has been a lot. In this special episode from NPR's It's Been A Minute, host Sam Sanders talked with therapist Lori Gottlieb about taking care of mental health when everything feels terrible. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

How To Take Of Yourself This Election Season

November 05, 2020 05:03 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

2020 has been a lot. In this special episode from NPR's It's Been A Minute, host Sam Sanders talked with therapist Lori Gottlieb about taking care of mental health when everything feels terrible.

'Tis The Season: Dealing With Your Seasonal Affective Disorder

October 29, 2020 04:03 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and we all have seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Coping With Anxiety From Constant Headlines

October 26, 2020 04:03 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

Between the coronavirus and the election, the news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Making Social Change, With Help From Meditation

October 20, 2020 04:03 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

When the world feels upside-down, it might seem counterintuitive to turn inward to create change. But that's exactly what meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg says we should do. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Eating Healthy Without Overspending

October 08, 2020 04:05 - 10 minutes - 9.43 MB

Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than you have to. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Vaccines 101: How They Work And Why You Need Them

October 01, 2020 04:05 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB

Just because you (or your kids) are home all day doesn't mean you can skip your vaccines, including a flu shot. Here's how vaccines work and why they're important this year.

Vaccines 101: How They Work And Why You Need Them

October 01, 2020 04:05 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB

Just because you (or your kids) are home all day doesn't mean you can skip your vaccines, including a flu shot. Here's how vaccines work and why they're important this year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Lift Your Head And Lower Your Arms: A Better Work From Home Setup

September 21, 2020 04:03 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

Is working from home causing all sorts of aches and pains? An ergonomics expert talked us through how to avoid the most common home setup pitfalls. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Why Forgiving Others Actually Heals You

July 30, 2020 04:03 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

Deciding to forgive is a big step. After all, you're the one who's been harmed! But it turns out that forgiving someone actually has benefits for your mental health. The practice of radical forgiveness can help you process hurt and anger — and ultimately find peace.

Why Forgiving Others Actually Heals You

July 30, 2020 04:03 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

Deciding to forgive is a big step. After all, you're the one who's been harmed! But it turns out that forgiving someone actually has benefits for your mental health. The practice of radical forgiveness can help you process hurt and anger — and ultimately find peace. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Regulate Your Mood With Solitude

July 27, 2020 04:03 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

Everyone needs a little alone time, but with the current pandemic, you might have either too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance back. This episode breaks down some of the research behind what makes even small bouts of solitude restorative and what to do when you're alone too much. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board

July 20, 2020 04:03 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

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 chemical and physical sunscreen. This episode explains what to look for on the back of a sunscreen bottle and how to use it effectively.

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board

July 20, 2020 04:03 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

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 chemical and physical sunscreen. This episode explains 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

The Grandparents Want To See You. Is It Worth The Risk In A Pandemic?

July 16, 2020 04:03 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Thinking about making a trip to visit family? In the age of the coronavirus, there are questions you need to answer before showing up at your relative's house. In this episode, we talk through best practices for if, or when, you decide to visit elderly relatives during this pandemic.

The Grandparents Want To See You. Is It Worth The Risk In A Pandemic?

July 16, 2020 04:03 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Thinking about making a trip to visit family? In the age of the coronavirus, there are questions you need to answer before showing up at your relative's house. In this episode, we talk through best practices for if, or when, you decide to visit elderly relatives during this pandemic. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It

July 14, 2020 04:03 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look and how to ask. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It

July 14, 2020 04:03 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look and how to ask.

What You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks

July 13, 2020 04:03 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

Face masks are crucial for curbing the spread of the coronavirus. This episode goes over some best practices when it comes to face masks, including how to wear a mask properly, the protection given by cloth vs surgical masks, and how to safely take a break.

What You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks

July 13, 2020 04:03 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

Face masks are crucial for curbing the spread of the coronavirus. This episode goes over some best practices when it comes to face masks, including how to wear a mask properly, the protection given by cloth vs surgical masks, and how to safely take a break. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Your Boss Wants You Back. But Is It Safe?

July 07, 2020 04:03 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety concerns and underlying conditions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Your Boss Wants You Back. But Is It Safe?

July 07, 2020 04:03 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety concerns and underlying conditions.

Anxiety Is Overwhelming. Here's A Mindfulness Tool That Works

July 02, 2020 04:03 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

We all need strategies to push back against conflict, anger and worry. Tara Brach distills the practice of mindfulness into a simple 4-step tool from her book Radical Compassion. This daily practice can help you show up for 'life' – and let go of regret and anxiety. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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