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: HealthIs It Laziness, Or A Sign You Need To Slow Down?
We 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…
Life Kit: HealthIn 'We're Not Broken,' Author Eric Garcia Takes On Myths About Autism
Whether 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…
Life Kit: HealthThere's More To Getting In Shape Than How You Look
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Start Hormone Replacement Therapy
Medical transition-related treatments like hormone replacement therapy are associated with overwhelmingly positive outcomes in terms of both physical and…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Tap Into The Good Anxiety In Your Life
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Keep Your Kids Safe From The Delta Variant
Returning 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…
Life Kit: Health'Can I Ask That?' Tips For Navigating Questions About Booster Shots And More
People are making up for time lost during the pandemic. Weddings are happening again. People are hosting cookouts, and going on vacation. Some people are…
Life Kit: HealthDo's And Don'ts For Parents Whose Kids Have Gained Weight In The Pandemic
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…
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What You Should Know About The Delta Variant
We'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…
Life Kit: Health4 Tips To Beat Extreme Heat
Record-breaking temperatures resulting from climate change are a global problem. And while our bodies have ways to dissipate heat, sometimes they just can't…
Life Kit: HealthA Sunscreen Evangelist Explains The Importance Of SPF
Ah, 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…
Life Kit: HealthUnderstanding The Latest CDC Mask Guidance
The CDC says vaccinated folks don't need masks in most settings. NPR's Short Wave team breaks down that guidance and the pushback. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life Kit: HealthFeeling Foggy? It's Not Just You
The 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…
Life Kit: HealthQuestions To Ask Yourself Before Going Maskless
There 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…
Life Kit: HealthReframing (And Reclaiming) Your Relationship With Food
The practice of intuitive eating is about reconnecting with our bodies, trusting our physical signals and forging a healthy relationship with food. And —…
Life Kit: HealthThe Sex Ed Most Queer Students Never Got
School health classes in the U.S. rarely include instruction about sex for LGBTQ students. Here's what to know. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life Kit: HealthWhy (And How) To Cut Back On Meat
Meat production takes a heavy toll on the environment. Here's how to dial back your meat intake and make a big impact. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
Life Kit: HealthNavigating Life After Pregnancy Loss
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Deal With Burnout
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…
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What You Can Do Once You're Vaccinated, According To The CDC
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…
Life Kit: HealthStart Therapy (And Make It Work For You)
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…
Life Kit: HealthDeciding When To Have A Baby
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…
Life Kit: HealthCoping With Anxiety Around The News
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…
Life Kit: HealthWhat To Say To People Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine
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…
Life Kit: HealthTrying To Form A Habit? Start Small
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…
Life Kit: HealthUnderstanding The Biology Of Weight Loss
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…
Life Kit: HealthCutting Back On Pandemic Drinking
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…
Life Kit: HealthAvoiding The Common Cold This Year
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…
Life Kit: HealthPeter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run
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…
Life Kit: HealthScientifically Proven Ways To Be Happier
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Have A Safe Thanksgiving
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Take Care Of Yourself This Election Season
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…
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'Tis The Season: Dealing With Your Seasonal Affective Disorder
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. See…
Life Kit: HealthCoping With Anxiety From Constant Headlines
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…
Life Kit: HealthMaking Social Change, With Help From Meditation
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…
Life Kit: HealthEating Healthy Without Overspending
Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than you have to. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
Life Kit: HealthVaccines 101: How They Work And Why You Need Them
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…
Life Kit: HealthLift Your Head And Lower Your Arms: A Better Work From Home Setup
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. See…
Life Kit: HealthWhy Forgiving Others Actually Heals You
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…
Life Kit: HealthRegulate Your Mood With Solitude
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…
Life Kit: HealthA Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board
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…
Life Kit: HealthThe Grandparents Want To See You. Is It Worth The Risk In A Pandemic?
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…
Life Kit: HealthGetting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It
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…
Life Kit: HealthWhat You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks
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…
Life Kit: HealthYour Boss Wants You Back. But Is It Safe?
Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety concerns…
Life Kit: HealthAnxiety Is Overwhelming. Here's A Mindfulness Tool That Works
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…
Life Kit: HealthEnd-Of-Life Planning Is A 'Lifetime Gift' To Your Loved Ones
Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. But the reality is even a small amount of planning ensures our final wishes are…
Life Kit: HealthSleep Better With These Bedtime Rituals
How do you get a good night's sleep? Many of us have routines we use to try and reach that blissful state of slumber — from meditation to melatonin to putting…
Life Kit: HealthTelehealth Tips: How To Make The Most Of Video Visits With Your Doctor
A visit to the doctor's office looks a little different during the pandemic. Doctors are using telemedicine services to treat patients more frequently. In this…
Life Kit: HealthFrom Camping To Road Trips: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of Summer Activities
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow Body Positivity Can Lead To Better Health
Weight stigma can hurt more than just your feelings. Negative messages about weight are actually bad for your health. This episode, a case for ditching the…
Life Kit: HealthWhy Caring For Yourself Helps You Care For Others
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…
Life Kit: HealthGrief For Beginners: 5 Things To Know About Processing Loss
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…
Life Kit: HealthScreen Time Overload? Here's How To Find Balance
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Start Running With Peter Sagal
Exercise is considered an essential activity during this pandemic. But what if it's the first time you'll be going for a jog? Avid runner and host of Wait…
Life Kit: HealthFake News Can Be Deadly. Here's How To Spot It
Experts say the coronavirus outbreak may be the biggest source of internet misinformation ever. Fake cures, unscientific tips, and conspiracy theories about…
Life Kit: HealthCoronavirus Panic: How To Get Your Thinking Brain Back Online
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Shop For Groceries During Coronavirus
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…
Life Kit: HealthHow To Get Therapy When You Can't Leave The House
Taking care of your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic is important, and it's still possible to get therapy even when you're staying at home. This…
Life Kit: HealthAnxious Thoughts? 5 Tips To Help You Sleep
Difficulty sleeping can cause anxiety, which often leads to more trouble sleeping. Life Kit host Allison Aubrey talks to sleep experts about how cognitive…