Shows / Life Kit: Health
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
Life Kit: HealthSeasonal Affective Disorder is real. Here's how to get through it
As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, it's common to feel depressed and low on energy. In this episode, tips from the psychiatrist who first studied…
Life Kit: HealthHow to stock your medicine cabinet for cold and flu season
We can't prevent you from getting sick this year, but we can help you prepare. In this episode, we talk to a doctor and a pharmacist about their medicine…
Life Kit: HealthIt's open enrollment season. Here's how to make the best decision for you
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…
Life Kit: HealthA head-to-toe check in for your health
Fall is officially here. Why not use this new season as a chance to check in with your health? This episode of Life Kit, medical professionals share advice to…
Life Kit: HealthIs IVF actually right for you?
Interested in having a baby outside of the bedroom? In vitro fertilization is just one of many options on the reproductive technology table. This episode, Life…
Life Kit: HealthHow to stop fixating on your body in the era of GLP-1s
It can be difficult to love how your body looks, or even like it. But what if you could expand the way you think about your body? This episode, psychologist…
Life Kit: HealthIs hormone therapy the cheat code to perimenopause?
Perimenopause can be overwhelming. Mood swings, insomnia and hot flashes can make you feel like a completely different person. Hormone therapy is one way a lot…
Life Kit: HealthIf sex is painful, you have options
There are lots of reasons women may experience pain during or after sex. Whether you've just given birth, are experiencing hormonal changes, or are under a lot…
Life Kit: HealthDon't stop exercising just because you're pregnant
Many people pause physical activity during pregnancy -- but research shows that exercising while pregnant is good for your health and your baby's health. If…
Life Kit: HealthFree yourself from 'information overload'
Do you check your phone to set a reminder, then get sidetracked by every targeted social media ad? Or plan to spend your day in focus mode only to be derailed…
Life Kit: HealthWhat to do when you're too upset to think straight
Stressed, anxious, or angry? Distress tolerance tools — from dunking your head in a bowl of ice water to imagining yourself in a calm setting — can help. In…
Life Kit: HealthBefore you fibermaxx, know these tips
Fiber is a dietary superhero. It lowers cholesterol, helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps your hunger in check. But chances are, you're not getting…
Life Kit: HealthWant to get pregnant? There’s more to it than you think
Whether you’re ready to become pregnant today or thinking about the future, there’s a lot to learn about your fertility. In this episode, a reproductive…
Life Kit: HealthScarfing down your food? How to be intentional about meals
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…
Life Kit: HealthShould I take a probiotic? And other gut questions, answered
Research shows that our gut microbiome -- the trillions of microbes that populate our intestines -- isn't just involved in digestion. It's intimately linked to…
Life Kit: HealthStop overthinking skin care. What's essential and what's hype
The list of skin care products being sold as “essential” can feel endless. What do all those serums, creams, acids and toners actually do — and do you need…
Life Kit: HealthHow to have a safe, healthy summer
Tips to help you thrive this season. We've got tips on how to effectively apply mosquito repellent (you need more than you think!), prevent tick bites, the…
Life Kit: Health5 simple ways to minimize stress
Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life…
Life Kit: HealthThe dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really…
Life Kit: HealthAre there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?
According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high…
Life Kit: Health5 tips to help you poop better
Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy…
Life Kit: HealthExplosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury
Explosive power is the ability to generate a lot of force quickly. It combines strength and speed. We use it in our daily lives to walk up stairs, stand up…
Life Kit: HealthMake the most of a high-deductible health plan
Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your…
Life Kit: HealthDon't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season
Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prathyusha…
Life Kit: HealthProtein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake
Protein is having a moment. Coffee chains are adding it into lattes. Many snack companies are labeling their products as high-protein. But how much protein do…
Life Kit: HealthHow to recover after a workout
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…
Life Kit: HealthDr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain
Why do we have pain in the absence of injury, or long after our tissue has healed? How can the same pain stimulus feel so different, depending on who you are…
Life Kit: Health4 myths about women's health
Do women really need to focus on cardio? Worry about heart health? Do a yearly mammogram? Meghan Rabbitt, author of the new book The New Rules of Women's…
Life Kit: HealthTired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave
Do you feel like you're sleepwalking through the week? Instead of reaching for your third coffee of the day, consider tweaking your lifestyle habits. Gut…
Life Kit: HealthDon't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)
Is there a right way to trim your nails? Are manicures bad for your hands? Can a supplement help with nail growth and health? We'll answer all these questions…
Life Kit: HealthHealth insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?
Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive…
Life Kit: Health7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)
In Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book, Sacred Rest, she outlines different kinds of rest you may be craving. From the mental to the physical, Dalton-Smith shares…
Life Kit: HealthSome patients face hurdles getting PrEP. Here's what to know
A daily preventive pill can be invaluable for people at risk for HIV. But some doctors don't know much about prescribing them and billing headaches are common…
Life Kit: HealthHow 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…
- Life Kit: Health
How to interpret the new dietary guidelines
In January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released new dietary guidelines calling for a significant reset in nutrition policy and "an end to the war…
Life Kit: HealthWhat to know if your hospital drops your insurance
Patients sometimes find themselves scrambling for affordable care when their insurer and hospital get into a contract dispute. Here are six things to know if…
Life Kit: HealthThe science of losing weight
When it comes to weight loss, there are many misconceptions about what works. So if you want to lose weight this year, here's what the science says about the…
Life Kit: HealthGet into strength training in 2026
There are a lot of myths about strength training. But one thing is true: resistance training has massive benefits for your physical and mental health. NPR…
Life Kit: HealthWhat to know about prostate cancer
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Most of the time, diagnosis happens through routine screenings. This episode, we…
Life Kit: HealthHow to optimize your circadian rhythm
There's research showing that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to…
Life Kit: HealthIt's OK to run slow AF
Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run, explains why anyone who wants to run can run. He shares tips on…
Life Kit: Health5 fitness and mental health tips for men
Why is muscle power so important? What do you really need to know about your testosterone levels? What are some free, research-backed tools for managing…
Life Kit: HealthHaving good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight
Does your back hurt after a long day at your desk? Do you wake up with a sore neck every morning? Muscle aches in your body could be a sign you need to improve…
Life Kit: HealthHow to get lower prices on prescription drugs
Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast An…
Life Kit: HealthDo collagen supplements really work?
Collagen supplements have been widely promoted on social media, with claims that they'll strengthen hair and nails, lessen wrinkles and even ease joint pain…
Life Kit: HealthHow to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired)
Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A…
Life Kit: HealthHow to support a loved one through cancer treatment
If you have a friend or family member diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, all you want to do is help. But where do you start? What if you say the…
Life Kit: HealthWhy anxiety is a superpower
As bad as it feels, anxiety is essential, says psychotherapist Britt Frank, author of The Science of Stuck. It can be a helpful warning signal that something…
Life Kit: HealthWhat to do when your health insurance denies coverage
What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk to, what…
Life Kit: HealthDebunking sleep myths
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…
Life Kit: HealthA head to toe check in for the fall
It’s not just school kids that could use a back-to-school reset. Like those annual September doctor's check ups, this episode of Life Kit is here to help you…
Life Kit: HealthBoost your mood in 15 minutes
Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments…
Life Kit: HealthHow to deal with intrusive thoughts
Have you ever had a disturbing thought pop up into your head? Thoughts that are distressing, repetitive and unwanted are called intrusive thoughts. NPR's…
Life Kit: HealthOuch, I've got a crick! Neck pain 101
Have you ever woken up with a crick in your neck after a bad night's sleep? Or feel like you can't rotate your head? Many people will experience neck pain at…
Life Kit: HealthHow to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online
Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State…
Life Kit: HealthAre seed oils really bad for you? Researchers unpack RFK Jr.'s claims
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others have said that seed oils, like soybean, corn and sunflower oils, are poisoning Americans. But what does the…
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How to crave movement more than screen time
Oftentimes, it's easier to scroll through our phones than do some squats. So what can we do to motivate ourselves to pick movement? In this episode of Life…
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How to avoid mosquito bites
In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to entomologist Sammy Ramsey and environmental health professor Brian Byrd about why some people get…
- Life Kit: Health
Want to build muscle? Eat more plants
It's long been thought that eating protein from animals (eggs, meat, chicken, fish) can help you become stronger. But a new study out of the University of…
Life Kit: HealthStay safe this heat wave
There's a heat wave hitting much of the United State this week. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes…