Life Kit: Health

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy