Life Kit: Health

If you've slept poorly, your instinct might be to sleep in or power through the day with extra cups of coffee. But those tactics may actually hurt your chances of getting back on track, say experts. Instead, set yourself up for success with these tips. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preference...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcas...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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 ren...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to mana...

Sometimes you're just feeling blah: the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...

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...

We could all be eating more vegetables. One fast way to do that: toss them in a salad. To make a crave-worthy salad you'll actually want to eat, don't be afraid to experiment with flavors (like kimchi or sauerkraut), add texture (think candied nuts or thinly sliced red cabbage) — and treat yourself to a freshly made homemade dressing. This episode originally published July 24, 2023. See pcm.adswiz...

Making sure you're protected from the summer sun starts with a good sunscreen. But how do you know which sunscreen is best, how much to use or when to reapply? In this episode from Short Wave, NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares the six common mistakes people make with sunscreen — and how to level up your sunscreen game. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

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 inst...

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 rest. This episode originally published Janaury 9, 2024. Want better sleep? Sign up Life Kit's Guide to Better Sleep, our special newsletter series. When you sign up, you'll receive a series of emails over one week with tips yo...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship prefer...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast s...

Do you ever feel like your memory lets you down when you need it most? If you forget your keys every time you leave the house, struggle to remember new names or just need a boost before a big test, you might be in need of some memory training. Trivia and memory experts share their best tips for recalling more and warding off everyday forgetfulness. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our col...

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 enough of it. NPR health correspondent (and fiber fanatic) Maria Godoy shares easy ways to up your fiber intake. Plus, the science of what fiber does in your body and how having more in your diet could help you. This episode was originally publi...

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. See pcm...

Taylor Swift claimed that "jet lag is a choice" at this year's Super Bowl. Sleep scientists like Jade Wu would like you to know they very much disagree. The disorder can throw your body clock out of whack and leave you feeling sluggish — not great when you're on a big vacation abroad. Wu explains how to make jet lag less miserable and more manageable. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

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...

In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates are rising among people under age 50. This episode, we explore how you can lower your risk and make sure you catch colorectal cancer early. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preference...

Eye health is more than just an annual eye exam. Learn how to protect your eyes from screens, read your prescription and understand what does and does not affect your vision. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy