Life Kit: Health - podcast cover

Life Kit: Health

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. Updated every time Life Kit posts an episode on health and wellness.
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Episodes

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 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...

Jan 04, 202415 min

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 for the things that matter most. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 01, 202418 min

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 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...

Dec 28, 202324 min

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 Privacy Policy

Dec 21, 202320 min

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

Dec 09, 202316 min

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 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...

Dec 05, 202317 min

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. This episode originally published January 19, 2023 Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 04, 202316 min

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 choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 20, 202320 min

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 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...

Oct 31, 202317 min

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 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...

Oct 26, 202319 min

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 choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 19, 202315 min

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

Sep 11, 202315 min

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 about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 21, 202315 min

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 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...

Aug 17, 202324 min

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 a meal – like chopping and loading an oven with minimal discomfort. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 31, 202317 min

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 Privacy Policy

Jul 27, 202320 min

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

Jul 24, 202319 min

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 Privacy Policy

Jul 10, 202316 min

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 are some tips to start swimming at any age. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 29, 202320 min

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 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.com/ad...

Jun 22, 202324 min

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

Jun 20, 202314 min

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 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...

May 29, 202320 min

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 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...

May 23, 202320 min

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. 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...

May 11, 202324 min

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 Privacy Policy

May 09, 202316 min

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 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.org/lif...

May 02, 202318 min

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 about. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 21, 202317 min

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 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...

Mar 07, 202323 min

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

Mar 06, 202322 min
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