Life Kit: Health (NPR)

Plastic isn't great for your health or the planet. Here's what NPR's Claire Murashima learned from avoiding single-use plastics for a week.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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

Trying to quit smoking can be hard. The good news is the science behind how to quit smoking is very clear. This episode gives you strategies to help boost your chances of success.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Your 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

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 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

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Going through something really tough? Stress is a part of life — but we can learn to manage it. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares evidence-based skills from a research psychologist at Northwestern University aimed to bring more ease into your life. This episode is Part 1 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Calm. Click here to sign up for a month-long newsletter on this topic.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Difficulty sleeping can cause anxiety, which often leads to more trouble sleeping. Life Kit host Allison Aubrey talks to sleep experts about how cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can bring relief for people with chronic sleep issues.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

A 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

Looking to be more active in the new year? Here are four expert tips on how to fit movement into your hectic schedule and stay motivated with research-backed strategies.

Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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

Grocery shopping during coronavirus is fraught with confusion. Do you need to disinfect your groceries? When are the best times to go grocery shopping right now? This episode gives tips about safe grocery shopping — and what you can stop worrying about.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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. This episode originally published September 11, 2023.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. To prevent drownings, make sure there's always a designated adult watching the water whenever kids are swimming. We'll cover other water safety tips to protect young swimmers safe this summer.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Given all the types of birth control out there, picking 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.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

They're tasty and cheap, but they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy explains how to spot and avoid ultra-processed snacks and packaged foods. This episode originally published June 20, 2023.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Screens keep us connected while we're socially distant, but phone fatigue is real. It's important to take breaks from your device to destress. In this episode, expert advice for balancing screen time during quarantine.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

There are so many food tribes out there — everything from Keto to vegan. We help you understand how to pick a diet approach that's right for you.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

If you've got 22 minutes, you can get an effective total-body workout. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's personal trainer Bryant Johnson walks us through an interval session and explains why it's so effective.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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 volume, noise exposure and Q-tips.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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

We're all experiencing some kind of grief these days. As this pandemic progresses, more of us will experience losing someone important to us. This episode lays a groundwork for the grieving process, no matter what your loss.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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 called "revenge bedtime procrastination." These tips can help you overcome it.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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

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

So many food labels proclaim their eco-virtues these days — organic. Pasture-raised. Cage-free. Non-GMO. What do they actually mean? Here are six ways to make sense of it all.

- "Natural" or "sustainable" labels have no legal standard.
- "Organic" means it's better for the planet, but may not be better for you.
- Non-GMO is not organic. The food was still grown with pesticides.
- Labels like "Animal Welfare Approved" mean the animals got to live outdoors.
- "Fair Trade" products deliver a little extra money to small farmers in cooperatives.
- Don't let labels stress you out. When it comes to solving the world's problems, your shopping decisions aren't nearly as important as your political decisions.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

So many weekends get filled up with too many errands, plans, and, yes, work. Never getting time to relax means feeling like a zombie come Monday. Say no to burnout by making your two days off into a mini vacation with relaxation techniques and tips to unplug.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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 more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Strong muscles are good for us. They help prevent injuries, strengthen bones and improve balance. But it can be hard to build muscle mass if you're intimidated by the weight room or unsure of how much weight to lift. Writer and audio producer Alex Sujong Laughlin shares her weightlifting journey — and her own tips and challenges along the way. This episode was originally published October 12, 2021.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

You can't fully show up for the people in your life until you know how to do the same for yourself. In this episode, we talk with Rachel Wilkerson Miller, author of The Art of Showing Up about how to take care of yourself.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Do you really need to drink eight glasses of water a day? Can drinking water help you lose weight? Does coffee dehydrate you? Experts explain the science of hydration. This episode originally published September 22, 2022.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Shame spirals, toilet paper panic and bingeing on news — It's easy to worry, but harder to stop. Psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer explains why panic can be as contagious as a virus and shares simple ways to recenter yourself when you get carried away by anxious thoughts.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Professional artists aren't the only people who can make art. This episode, learn how to weave art into your everyday life. Because whether you're doodling, making pottery or embroidering, creating art is good for you and your health.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Healthy eating can be easy if you follow a few simple rules. We guide you through three types of healthy food you should eat more of, and three foods to cut back on.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Summer is here, but the typical summer activities don't feel quite as carefree. How do you know if it's safe to hit the beach, rent a vacation home or pitch a tent? Life Kit host Allison Aubrey interviews experts to rate the risks of favorite summer pastimes.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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 message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Exercise 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

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

Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club, explains what running is and what it isn't — and why anyone who wants to run can run. And for people interested in starting a routine, he shares tips on pace, gear and form. This episode originally aired on June 22, 2023.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

The summer's first major heat wave has arrived. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes they just can't keep up. In this episode of Life Kit, learn how to keep cool, hydrated and safe in extreme heat.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

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 assess your risk and make the best choice for you.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Anxiety 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

When 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

Whether you're Team Bath or Team Shower, there are some best practices to follow when it comes to cleaning your body. In this episode, dermatologists Sonia Batra and Michelle Henry share surprising insights on what it takes to wash your body right, from which soaps to use and how to keep your loofah or washcloth sanitary.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Although breast cancer deaths have dropped by about 40% since 1989, breast cancer diagnoses in younger women are increasing. We'll help you understand your personal risk, when and how often you should get mammograms, and how to advocate for yourself in the health care system.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you sleep. But does it really work? NPR's health correspondent Maria Godoy brings us the science behind the trend – and magnesium's effect on sleep.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Difficulty sleeping can cause anxiety, which often leads to more trouble sleeping. Life Kit host Allison Aubrey talks to sleep experts about how cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can bring relief for people with chronic sleep issues.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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 and bloating — and learn where to seek help.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

Posture doesn't mean standing up straight or gliding across a room with a book on your head. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down the meaning of healthy posture and how you can nurture it.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Approximately 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 sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

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

For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. But sometimes, you need more than two numbers to understand your health. For example, BMI can't tell you how much of your weight is fat versus muscle. That's why a growing number of researchers and physicians prefer other metrics instead. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey breaks down the history and shortcomings of BMI, and shares other methods to get a fuller picture of your body.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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. 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

Shame 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

It'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

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

The 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

None of us is prepared to be caregivers — the role is thrust upon us. More than 40 million Americans are caring for an elderly parent or loved one. Here are six tips to make the caregiving burden more sustainable:
- Accept help, and don't be afraid to ask for it.
- Break down caregiving tasks into bite-sized solutions.
- Don't tell your loved one what to do. Ask about the quality of life they want and how you can get them there.
- Be an empowered medical advocate for your loved one.
- Get your legal ducks in order so you can focus on your relationship.
- Make sure to take care of yourself, too.


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

NPR Privacy Policy

Knowing when and what to eat may sound simple, but dieting can mess up our connection to hunger cues. The practice of intuitive eating can help people make peace with food.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

One in seven women experiences postpartum depression. But it's easy to feel alone — especially when you're told having a baby is supposed to be blissful. This episode helps both struggling moms and loved ones identify the symptoms and find treatment.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Feeling 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!

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Do you feel anxious after a night drinking? Two doctors weigh in on how to treat hangover symptoms especially 'hangxiety' after drinking too much. Plus the science of alcohol's affect on your body and tips for reassessing your relationship to alcohol.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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/lifekit.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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 of daytime rest.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

We all can feel the effects of weight stigma, no matter what our size is. In this episode, we help you feel good about the body you're living in and give strategies to improve your health without obsessing about your weight. Here's what to remember: - Recognize that weight stigma can actually harm your physical health. - Remember that weight and body mass index are imperfect indicators of your health. - Focus on well-being, regardless of your weight. - Even if you don't experience weight stigma in daily life, ask yourself: Am I helping to perpetuate it?

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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

If 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 episode, they share their tips for how to get kids back on track and support healthy habits.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Feeling 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

In 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

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

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 9th, 2023.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

So many food labels proclaim their eco-virtues these days: organic, pasture raised, cage-free, non-GMO. But what is a label based on? Here are six ways to make sense of it all.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Thinking 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

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

How can I tell the difference between allergies and coronavirus symptoms? Can you get coronavirus from food? Can I have people over? The coronavirus pandemic is causing lots of uncertainty about everyday life. In this episode, Life Kit host Allison Aubrey answers common questions about coronavirus. This was recorded March 17, 2020. Because the news is moving fast, check npr.org for the latest updates.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

It's normal to feel some pain or soreness after a workout. But how much is too much, and more importantly, how do you get relief? This episode, build out your post-workout recovery routine. A sports medicine doctor, nutritionist and professional athlete break down everything you can do from the moment your last workout finishes to right before your next one begins – to feel better in your body, minimize your injury risk and get the most out of that gym session.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Picking a health insurance plan can be confusing and frustrating. There are endless acronyms and it's hard to predict what your health needs will be in six months. This episode, we break down some of the terms and share guided questions to help you choose the plan that's best for you. This episode was originally published Oct. 31, 2023.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

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: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

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 Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

It's hard to stay motivated in the face of threats like climate change — especially when it feels like you're the only one who cares. But a new course from the University of California aims to help students cope with climate activism burnout, find new purpose and work toward change at the local level. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares exercises from the class that'll help you find renewed purpose in all aspects of life. This episode is Part 2 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Calm.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Carbs get a bad rap. Here's the science behind why eating too much starch isn't good for you — and smart tips to integrate more slow carbs into your diet.

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

NPR Privacy Policy