Life Kit: Health

How to start an exercise habit

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You don't have to be a marathoner or a gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. And that sort of "go big or go home" mentality can act...

How to make resolutions you'll keep

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! If you want to make a resolution that sticks, the key to success is creating what's known as a SMART goal. This episode outlines how S...

Ready to get running? A starter guide

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. You don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many peo...

How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can...

How to relieve constipation

09 Dec 2023

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...

How to combat loneliness

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attac...

Make the most of your chilly outdoor workouts

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How cold is too cold? What kind of gear should you wear? And how do you stay motivated to workout outside when the weather is dreary? Cold-loving runn...

Ready to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dipping in cold water is a growing trend. It's not just for the thrill — people who cold plunge say it helps with anxiety, metabolic health and more...

Demystifying your health insurance plan

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's open enrollment season, meaning it's time to pick a health care plan. But it can be confusing to decipher all the acronyms and lingo of health ca...

How to save a life with CPR

26 Oct 2023

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,...

Fiber is a dietary superhero. Are you eating enough of it?

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

NPR's Maria Godoy is a self-proclaimed fiber fanatic. She shares eight ways to add fiber to your diet (munch on popcorn!) and provides a grocery list ...

Scarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully

11 Sep 2023

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...

Meal prep made easy

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal pr...

Protect your hearing and ears

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you find yourself in loud clubs, concerts or cities, you might be doing more damage to your hearing than you think. People of all ages are at risk ...

Millennial? Gen Z? It may be time for colorectal cancer screening

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among young people. In this episode, we explain the risk, symptoms to look out for and how to get screened. Le...

Minimize your back pain while cooking

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. It might not disappear entirely, but you can find ways to comfortably perform everyda...

Bring more play into your life

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Play isn't just fun. Researchers argue it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. We'll help you figure o...

Make a salad you want to eat

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We should all be eating more vegetables. One fast way to do that: toss them in a salad! We'll cover how to make nutritious, affordable, and, most impo...

What to do when you're constipated

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a step-by-step guide for that SOS moment when you haven't pooped in days and days. Plus: tips to help you avoid chronic constipation, and a ...

Learning how to swim could save your life. Here's where to start

29 Jun 2023

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. According to the CDC, an average of 11 p...

How to start running in the body you have

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. It gets you from point A to point B, you don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides ...

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ultra-processed foods are tasty, cheap and everywhere. But they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy lays out ways to spot and...

Pick the best sunscreen for you

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

What to do when you're feeling anxious

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety can feel awful and overwhelming. But it can also be a helpful warning signal — telling us when we're in danger or out of alignment with our ...

Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy...

5 ways to improve your indoor air quality

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

A better way to talk to your doctor

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ever leave the doctor's office confused or with unanswered questions? Talking to doctors and other medical professionals can be hard - whether they're...

How to have the STIs conversation

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With Dr. Evalene Dacker, we lay out the science of STIs and then give you language to talk about them and, more broadly, about sex, with a potential p...

The truth about caffeine

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

75% of Americans consume some kind of caffeine at least once a day. Whether your caffeine of choice is coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks, how do you ...

The period talk you never got

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode, we hear from two period experts on understanding the science of periods, management techniques and how to know when something is wrong.L...

Teeth: an owner's manual

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teet...

Practical tips for exercising in the cold

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What kind of gear should you wear? How cold is too cold? And how do you stay motivated to say, run outdoors, when the weather is dreary? Athlete and a...

How to wake up early, even if you're a night owl

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early or you'd like ...

Tips for finding relief from IBS

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

More than 25 million Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While IBS symptoms present in the gut, it turns out that stress and anxiety can actually...

Exercises to 'futureproof' your body against chronic pain

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Vinh Pham, physical therapist and author of "Sit Up Straight: Futureproof Your Body Against Chronic Pain with 12 Simple Movements," explains why mobil...

How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When your days are packed, it can be hard to find some "me time" time to unwind. You might find yourself staying up past your bedtime, scrolling on so...

How to make the most of your health insurance

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Using your health insurance doesn't have to be on an "in-case-of-emergency" basis. Learn how to make the most of your coverage by taking advantage of ...

Masks are off on public transit. How to assess risk in a less-masked world

23 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Now that a federal judge has thrown out mask mandates on public transportation, many people are wondering, "How safe is it to use these forms of trave...

How to pick a birth control that works for you

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Picking a form of contraception can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth control works, your preferences, side effects and more. This ...

How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can...

How to talk to your Latinx parents about mental health

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their fa...

Need to make a change in your life? Behavioral science can help

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When's the best time to start a new habit? And what makes some stick while others fall by the wayside? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's new book, H...

How to talk about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who are hesitant

15 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Jasmine Marcelin shares how she has conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who have doubts about getti...

A pediatrician's advice on omicron, daycare and travel for kids under 5

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Amid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. In this episode, infectious disease docto...

How to divest from diet culture

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In 2021, nearly half of all new year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on weight loss. Why do we set these goals for ourselves? Diet culture, the s...

Mindfulness for beginners

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's counterintuitive, but an effective way to manage our negative reactions to life's stressors actually involves slowing down and paying very close ...

When it comes to exercise, "all movements count"

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling blocked with it comes to starting an exercise habit? You can actually get the health benefits of exercise with just 22 minutes of exercise a d...

6 tips on taking a break from drinking

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about taking a break from drinking? Here are ways to help you make a plan, navigate tricky social situations and reassess your relationship w...

How solitude can help you regulate your mood

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone needs a little alone time, but during this pandemic, you may have felt like you had too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance ...

What happens in our brain when we grieve — and how it helps us stay afloat

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When we lose a loved one, it can feel like we've lost a part of ourselves. And for good reason, our brains are learning how to live in this world with...

Omicron variant, COVID booster shots — and how to stay safe during the holidays

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season is well underway, and with it, a fresh batch of worries over the latest COVID-19 variant, omicron. For those planning end-of-year c...

How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and how to get started

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Freezing your eggs can open doors for your fertility. It's also emotional, time-consuming and expensive. Here are some things to think about before yo...

How To Build A Sleep Routine For You And Your Children

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Getting enough sleep helps you focus, retain information and helps to fortify your immune system. But when it comes to children, they aren't always th...

How to wake up early, even if you're not a morning person

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early, or you'd like...

How to create a basic skin care routine

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Your skin is your largest organ. If you want to care for it without getting sucked into a wormhole of pharmacological-sounding mumbo jumbo, this guide...

Climate Anxiety Is Real. Here's How To Address It

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The climate crisis is here, and if you feel climate anxiety, that's a totally normal response. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or numb when you start th...

How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Picking health insurance takes a lot of work. It's not a one-size-fits-all type of situation, and there are a lot of confusing terms that come up ever...

5 Tips For Getting Started With Strength Training

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Strength training is a great way to exercise efficiently while preventing injury. And while it's not that difficult to get into it, it can be intimida...

How You Can Help Someone At Risk Of Suicide

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Research shows that suicide is preventable. And while surveys have shown that Americans know this, they might not know how to help someone who may be ...

Is It Laziness, Or A Sign You Need To Slow Down?

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 term...

In 'We're Not Broken,' Author Eric Garcia Takes On Myths About Autism

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 episo...

There's More To Getting In Shape Than How You Look

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ta...

How To Start Hormone Replacement Therapy

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Medical transition-related treatments like hormone replacement therapy are associated with overwhelmingly positive outcomes in terms of both physical ...

How To Tap Into The Good Anxiety In Your Life

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Suzuk...

How To Keep Your Kids Safe From The Delta Variant

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 happenin...

'Can I Ask That?' Tips For Navigating Questions About Booster Shots And More

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

People are making up for time lost during the pandemic. Weddings are happening again. People are hosting cookouts, and going on vacation. Some people ...

Do's And Don'ts For Parents Whose Kids Have Gained Weight In The Pandemic

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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.W...

What You Should Know About The Delta Variant

24 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

4 Tips To Beat Extreme Heat

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Record-breaking temperatures resulting from climate change are a global problem. And while our bodies have ways to dissipate heat, sometimes they just...

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains The Importance Of SPF

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Understanding The Latest CDC Mask Guidance

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The CDC says vaccinated folks don't need masks in most settings. NPR's Short Wave team breaks down that guidance and the pushback. Learn more about sp...

Feeling Foggy? It's Not Just You

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Going Maskless

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 throug...

Reframing (And Reclaiming) Your Relationship With Food

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The practice of intuitive eating is about reconnecting with our bodies, trusting our physical signals and forging a healthy relationship with food. An...

The Sex Ed Most Queer Students Never Got

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

School health classes in the U.S. rarely include instruction about sex for LGBTQ students. Here's what to know. Learn more about sponsor message choic...

Why (And How) To Cut Back On Meat

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Meat production takes a heavy toll on the environment. Here's how to dial back your meat intake and make a big impact. Learn more about sponsor messag...

Navigating Life After Pregnancy Loss

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

How To Deal With Burnout

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 gai...

What You Can Do Once You're Vaccinated, According To The CDC

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 releas...

Start Therapy (And Make It Work For You)

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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, ev...

Deciding When To Have A Baby

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Coping With Anxiety Around The News

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. (This episode originally ra...

What To Say To People Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 lea...

Trying To Form A Habit? Start Small

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Understanding The Biology Of Weight Loss

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Cutting Back On Pandemic Drinking

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 alon...

Avoiding The Common Cold This Year

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Peter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 te...

Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Happier

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How To Have A Safe Thanksgiving

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

All gatherings carry risk during COVID-19. If you're meeting with people outside your immediate household during Thanksgiving, you can mitigate that r...

How To Take Care Of Yourself This Election Season

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

'Tis The Season: Dealing With Your Seasonal Affective Disorder

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Coping With Anxiety From Constant Headlines

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Between the coronavirus and the election, the news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines a...

Making Social Change, With Help From Meditation

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When the world feels upside-down, it might seem counterintuitive to turn inward to create change. But that's exactly what meditation teacher Sharon Sa...

Eating Healthy Without Overspending

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than you have to.Learn more about sponsor mes...

Vaccines 101: How They Work And Why You Need Them

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

Lift Your Head And Lower Your Arms: A Better Work From Home Setup

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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.Lea...

Why Forgiving Others Actually Heals You

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Regulate Your Mood With Solitude

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...