Claim OwnershipLife 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. Updated every time Life Kit posts an episode on health and wellness.
Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
184 Episodes
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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
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
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
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
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
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
1Are 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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When in doubt, drink a little water. 🥤
Check those ticking time bags! Seriously, good reminders to help women stay healthy. 💫
Great podcast.
This is a workout I can do every day and even when I am sick I can do a modified version just so I keep moving.