Life Kit: Health

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

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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy