Life Kit: Health

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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. Subscribe to get episodes from Life Kit on health and wellness.

Life Kit from NPR


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 205 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Life Kit: Health podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their mental and physical well-being. It covers a wide range of topics related to health, wellness, and medicine, and offers insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone who listens. This podcast is particularly valuable because it addresses both physical and mental health, recognizing the importance of taking care of ourselves in all aspects.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth and breadth of information it provides in each episode. Despite being relatively short, the episodes manage to cram in a significant amount of important information. The hosts do a great job of distilling complex topics into easily understandable segments, making the content accessible to listeners with different levels of knowledge. Additionally, the presentation methods employed are engaging and keep the audience captivated throughout.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its focus on practical advice that can be implemented in everyday life. Each episode provides actionable steps and tips that listeners can apply immediately to their own lives. Whether it's advice on starting uncomfortable conversations about mental health or strategies for making lasting changes in fitness routines, there is something for everyone in this podcast. The recap at the end of each episode also helps reinforce key takeaways.

    While there are many positives to The Life Kit: Health podcast, one potential downside is that due to time constraints, not every topic can be covered in detail. However, considering the length of each episode, it's understandable that they can't go into exhaustive depth on every subject. Nonetheless, even with limited time, the podcast manages to deliver valuable insights that have helped many listeners make positive changes in their lives.

    In conclusion, The Life Kit: Health podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving their overall well-being. With its informative content, engaging presentation style, and practical advice, this podcast offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for guidance on starting uncomfortable conversations about mental health or seeking strategies for making positive changes, this podcast has got you covered. It's an invaluable resource that provides insights and inspiration to help listeners on their health journey.



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    Latest episodes from Life Kit: Health

    5 essential water skills to know this summer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 20:06


    Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming if you never learned as a kid. This episode originally published June 29, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Here's why your feet hurt — and what you can do about it

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 25:49


    If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In this episode, foot experts share advice on picking the right running shoes, strengthening your feet muscles and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What to eat for better sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 15:52


    Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-backed tips on which foods to eat — and, spoilers, a lot of them are foods you either have in your fridge already or can work into nearly any recipe.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    5 simple ways to minimize stress

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 17:08


    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 changes necessary. This episode originally aired Feb. 6, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to relieve constipation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 16:25


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Over-the-counter pain medications 101

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 22:14


    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 take? In this episode, a doctor and pharmacists cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Car safety 101: Crashes, road rage, weather and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 20:33


    You might know the basics of car safety, like buckling your seatbelt or using your turn signal. But what do you do in car emergencies? This episode, Hector Carias, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, breaks down how to handle emergency situations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to maintain an exercise routine as you age

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 16:57


    It's important to exercise as we age. Regular movement can help not just with cardiovascular health and maintaining muscle mass — it can also foster community. Juana Summers, co-host of NPR's All Things Considered, speaks with older exercisers about what motivates them to stay active.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What's in your lotion? A guide to personal care product safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 24:32


    It's easy to get overwhelmed by long ingredient lists when it comes to personal care products like shampoo, makeup and lotion. Which substances could be potentially harmful? Which are safe to use? In this episode, we cover current ingredients of concern, alternatives and how to decide which products you actually need in your life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 11:40


    A recent study found that one key to gut health is eating a wide variety of plants. In this episode, we talk about the research with NPR's Maria Godoy and offer tips to help you mix up your diet.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The science behind the FDA ban on food dye Red No. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 10:51


    Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is banning Red No. 3, a food dye additive in processed foods like sodas, sweets and snacks. Recently, it and other dyes were linked to negative behavioral issues in children, and decades ago, high levels of Red No. 3 were linked to cancer in rats. This episode, NPR science podcast Short Wave explains what we know about Red No. 3's harmful health effects and the other dyes that may replace it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to recover after a workout

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 23:34


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to improve your posture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 18:59


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What you need to know about cardio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 11:30


    Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease stress and more. In this episode, we cover what exercise and activities count as cardio, how to reap its benefits and how much to do.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 22:39


    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. This episode originally published Jan. 15, 2024. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuaryLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to move more this year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 15:27


    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/dryjanuaryLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to cut down on drinking

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 18:56


    If you want to drink less or give up alcohol completely, it's natural to feel scared or anxious at first. What do you do at parties? What if people think you're boring? And how can you deal with temptation? Casey Davidson, sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, has tips for those starting a sobriety journey. And she argues that everyone would benefit from an evaluation of when and how alcohol shows up in their lives. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuaryLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to optimize your circadian rhythm

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 15:10


    New research shows that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to tune up your body's internal clock.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why you should take a 'fart walk' after a meal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 12:52


    Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is solid on this trend. She shares the many health benefits of walking after eating: better digestion, more balanced blood sugar levels and a healthier gut microbiome.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to thrive, not just survive in winter

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 23:26


    Winter is back. The days are shorter, the cold air hurts when breathing in and a warm bed seems more appealing than the outdoors. For some, remaining active and social can be challenging once the clocks roll back an hour. But should we let winter keep us from living our lives? In this episode, health psychologist Kari Leibowitz discusses her new book, How To Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. She gives tips about how to enjoy winter and explains how a slight change in perspective can go a long way in the winter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    It's ok to run slow AF

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 25:44


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What people get wrong about hangovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 26:01


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How long do leftovers last? And other food safety questions, answered

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 23:08


    Did you grow up in a household where food was left out all day? Do you wash chicken before cooking it? If so, you might need this refresher course on food safety. Guidance on how to prepare, cook, serve and store food this holiday season — without giving yourself or your loved ones food poisoning.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to pick the right health insurance plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 16:33


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Busting myths about hydration

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 18:37


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to recover from a bad night of sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 24:44


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

    How to slow down when you eat

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 16:50


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    A guide to breast cancer screening

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 29:12


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to cut ultra-processed foods from your diet

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 13:38


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to deal with climate anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 24:14


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Stress-busting skills to try in everyday life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 22:21


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    I ditched plastic for a week. Here's what I learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 19:15


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The dirt on bathing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 26:03


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Can magnesium help you sleep?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 10:32


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Boost your mood in 15 minutes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 23:30


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

    Build strength with a weightlifting routine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 19:01


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Take your salads from drab to fab

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 19:26


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

    Avoid these 6 sunscreen mistakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 13:27


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

    BMI is flawed. Try a body composition test

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 18:19


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Debunking sleep myths

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 17:18


    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 you can try that very night to prioritize and improve your sleep. Sign up at npr.org/sleepweek.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Staying safe in the extreme heat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 12:08


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    These water safety tips can save lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 18:04


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Where did I put the keys? Tips to improve memory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 25:11


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

    Fiber has tons of benefits. Here's how to eat more of it

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 15:12


    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 published September 19, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Take charge of your gyno visit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 24:57


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Jet lag is 'not a choice' — here's what to know

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 19:04


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

    Curbing needle phobia in adults starts with making shots less painful for kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 13:34


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise. Here's what to know

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 13:56


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

    Protect your ears from hearing loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 23:49


    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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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