Life Kit: Health

Martinus Evans, a runner and author of the Slow AF Run Club, champions running as an accessible and enjoyable pursuit. He shares unique concepts like 'sexy pace' and constructive strategies for new runners. Learn why skipping the cotton in favor of proper gear is essential to avoid chafing. Evans emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, using affirmations to manage that inner critic, and fitting workouts into a busy life. He also offers a solid baseline workout technique and tips for improving form and breathing.

Brett McKay, founder of The Art of Manliness, shares invaluable insights into men’s health and fitness. He discusses the critical role of muscle power and how it declines with age, suggesting practical exercises to combat this. McKay highlights the importance of testosterone beyond virility, encompassing mood and bone health. He also sheds light on unique male depression signs and introduces effective, research-backed strategies for managing mental health. Ultimately, he emphasizes the significance of social connections as a remedy for chronic stress.

Katie Bowman, a biomechanist and author, joins the conversation to unravel the secrets of good posture. She emphasizes that posture problems arise not from wrong positions but from lack of movement. Discover how to assess your body's alignment with the wall test and identify overused joints. Katie promotes playful movement breaks and ergonomic tweaks to enhance comfort at work. Plus, she encourages embracing fidgeting as a natural way to distribute physical loads. Tune in for practical tips to revolutionize your posture!

Dan Weissmann, host of An Arm and a Leg, dives into the high costs of prescription drugs and how to tackle them. He emphasizes the importance of checking for billing errors at the pharmacy. Pharmacists can help with dosing tricks and coupons, while online tools like GoodRx can uncover lower prices. Dan also advises asking your doctor for cheaper alternatives and utilizing patient assistance programs. For anyone grappling with insurance denials, he covers essential steps like using samples and understanding formularies. Equipped with Dan's strategies, you can navigate the prescription maze with confidence!

Maria Godoy, an NPR health correspondent, dives into the science of collagen supplements—debunking social media hype. She explains the origins of collagen and shares insights from randomized trials about skin benefits, but highlights issues with quality and funding. Joint health is discussed, revealing small, industry-funded studies with mixed results. While experts may not routinely recommend collagen, they suggest affordable, safe options could be beneficial. Maria also emphasizes proven skin care methods like sunscreen and healthy diets over supplements.

Guests Andy Tegel, a Life Kit reporter, and Jade Wu, a sleep medicine specialist and author of Hello Sleep, dive into the art of napping. They discuss how tips like the C-E-B rule can help prevent grogginess. Jade explains the science behind why we crave midday naps, linked to our internal clocks. Listeners learn about optimal nap lengths and discover that naps aren't for everyone, especially those struggling with insomnia. Andy shares key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of daytime rest in enhancing emotional well-being and performance.

Supporting a loved one through cancer treatment can be daunting. Discover how to leverage your strengths and accept help that suits you best. Learn tips for being an effective doctor's appointment buddy and the importance of practical support like meal trains. Find out why open-ended offers can fall flat and why taking initiative matters. Most importantly, hear about the power of listening and being present without overwhelming the patient. Avoid harmful comments and discover heartfelt ways to lift their spirits during tough times.

Join psychotherapist Britt Frank, author of The Science of Stuck, as she redefines anxiety as an essential signal rather than an enemy. She shares a practical three-step technique to manage overwhelming feelings and introduces sensory grounding methods like ice and sour tastes to stabilize your nervous system. Britt emphasizes the importance of identifying stress triggers, practicing scripted support calls with friends, and viewing anxiety as a protective ally that guides us towards understanding ourselves better.

Jackie Fortier, a KFF Health News reporter specializing in health policy, shares vital insights on what to do when your health insurance denies coverage. She breaks down the process of appealing denials, discussing essential steps and documentation needed for a successful case. Fortier also touches on preventive care requirements under the ACA and how to navigate billing disputes. She even provides advice on escalating the issue if initial appeals fail, including external reviews and financial assistance options.

Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, tackles common sleep myths that keep people tossing and turning. She reveals how sleep timing and circadian rhythms impact health, especially for shift workers. Robbins shares insights on overcoming pre-sleep anxiety, suggesting strategies like meditation and focusing on positivity. Additionally, she dispels the myth that exercising late harms sleep, revealing its actual benefits and offering tips to optimize your sleep environment for a better night's rest.