Life Kit: Health

Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, sta...

Make the most of a high-deductible health plan

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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. Prat...

Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 pr...

How to recover after a workout

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

4 myths about women's health

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Wome...

Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 q...

Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can...

7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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-Smit...

Some patients face hurdles getting PrEP. Here's what to know

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ar...

How to save a life with CPR

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation,...

How to interpret the new dietary guidelines

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released new dietary guidelines calling for a significant reset in nutrition policy and "an end to ...

What to know if your hospital drops your insurance

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Patients sometimes find themselves scrambling for affordable care when their insurer and hospital get into a contract dispute. Here are six things to ...

The science of losing weight

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ab...

Get into strength training in 2026

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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....

What to know about prostate cancer

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Most of the time, diagnosis happens through routine screenings. This ep...

How to optimize your circadian rhythm

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

It's OK to run slow AF

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

5 fitness and mental health tips for men

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 managi...

Having good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to get lower prices on prescription drugs

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 pod...

Do collagen supplements really work?

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Collagen supplements have been widely promoted on social media, with claims that they'll strengthen hair and nails, lessen wrinkles and even ease join...

How to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired)

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to sno...

How to support a loved one through cancer treatment

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

Why anxiety is a superpower

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 so...

What to do when your health insurance denies coverage

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk ...

Debunking sleep myths

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyon...

A head to toe check in for the fall

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Boost your mood in 15 minutes

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

How to deal with intrusive thoughts

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a disturbing thought pop up into your head? Thoughts that are distressing, repetitive and unwanted are called intrusive thoughts. NP...

Ouch, I've got a crick! Neck pain 101

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 nec...

How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State ...

Are seed oils really bad for you? Researchers unpack RFK Jr.'s claims

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others have said that seed oils, like soybean, corn and sunflower oils, are poisoning Americans. But what d...

How to crave movement more than screen time

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to avoid mosquito bites

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to entomologist Sammy Ramsey and environmental health professor Brian Byrd about why some peop...

Want to build muscle? Eat more plants

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Universit...

Stay safe this heat wave

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

It's tick season. Here's how to protect yourself.

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 31 million people in the United States get bitten by ticks each year, and some of those ticks carry diseases such as Lyme disease, according...

Your pelvic floor is essential. Here's how to take better care of it

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your pelvic floor helps with all sorts of bodily functions — it helps you go to the bathroom, breathe, and orgasm, and it supports your internal org...

5 essential water skills to know this summer

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

What to eat for better sleep

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-b...

5 simple ways to minimize stress

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to relieve constipation

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episod...

Over-the-counter pain medications 101

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should ...

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

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, H...

How to maintain an exercise routine as you age

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

How to recover after a workout

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to improve your posture

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bre...

What you need to know about cardio

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy lev...

Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny T...

How to move more this year

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to cut down on drinking

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

How to optimize your circadian rhythm

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is sol...

How to thrive, not just survive in winter

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

It's ok to run slow AF

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 int...

What people get wrong about hangovers

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel anxious after a night drinking? Two doctors weigh in on how to treat hangover symptoms especially 'hangxiety' after drinking too much. Plu...

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

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to pick the right health insurance plan

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Busting myths about hydration

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 scie...

How to recover from a bad night of sleep

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 you...

How to slow down when you eat

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She sh...

A guide to breast cancer screening

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Although breast cancer deaths have dropped by about 40% since 1989, breast cancer diagnoses in younger women are increasing. We'll help you understand...

How to cut ultra-processed foods from your diet

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

How to deal with climate anxiety

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 cour...

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

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The dirt on bathing

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Can magnesium help you sleep?

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you slee...

Boost your mood in 15 minutes

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Build strength with a weightlifting routine

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 in...

Take your salads from drab to fab

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Avoid these 6 sunscreen mistakes

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

BMI is flawed. Try a body composition test

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overw...

Debunking sleep myths

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyon...

Staying safe in the extreme heat

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 j...

These water safety tips can save lives

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 wat...

Where did I put the keys? Tips to improve memory

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ne...

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

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 get...

Take charge of your gyno visit

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

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

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 disagre...

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

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. Researc...

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

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Protect your ears from hearing loss

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

How to take care of your eyes

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How much protein do you need?

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 under...

Thoughts on Ozempic from a body-positive doctor

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The popular weight loss drug Ozempic makes shedding pounds seem like magic. But the reality is more complicated, says family physician Dr. Mara Gordon...

Here's how to take better naps

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to sno...

5 simple ways to minimize stress

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offers five accessible ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary.Learn more ...

Improve your indoor air quality

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality ...

How to have a healthy relationship with caffeine

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Worry you're drinking too much coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the ...

Why being uncomfortable is important

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The feeling of discomfort has an important role to play. On one hand, it can be a helpful warning sign. On the other hand, too much of it can lead to ...

Your body is changing. So should your fitness routine

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Life happens. Sometimes we get injured or sick — and of course we get older. As we change, so should our exercise routine. Here's how to adapt your ...

Soothe your stress in minutes

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny T...

Sleep myths, busted

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyon...