Life Kit: Health

Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State University. And buying knockoff versions of products can be dangerous. Kari Kammel, the director at the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, shares tips for how to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products, especially online. This episode originally published October 22, 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others have said that seed oils, like soybean, corn and sunflower oils, are poisoning Americans. But what does the research say? NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy speaks with nutrition and fatty acids scientists about the most common concerns with seed oils.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 Life Kit, we speak with clinical psychologist Diana Hill and movement specialist Katy Bowman about how to retrain your brain to crave physical activity more than your phone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to entomologist Sammy Ramsey and environmental health professor Brian Byrd about why some people get bitten more than others, which ingredients to seek in bug repellents and what you can do to protect yourself against those itchy bites.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Will Stone, NPR health correspondent, sheds light on the evolving science of plant protein and its surprising ability to build muscle similarly to animal protein. He discusses recent research from the University of Illinois, which challenges traditional views about the necessity of animal products for strength training. The conversation emphasizes the significance of dietary diversity among plant proteins and suggests that a well-rounded vegan diet can effectively support muscle growth. Tune in to discover how your protein choices can shift to a more plant-based focus!

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, sometimes they just can't keep up. In this episode of Life Kit, learn how to keep cool, hydrated and safe in extreme heat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ping Huang, an NPR health correspondent, shares vital insights about ticks and the threats they pose, particularly Lyme disease. She discusses where ticks thrive and effective prevention strategies to keep you safe while enjoying the outdoors. Listeners learn the importance of wearing appropriate clothing and conducting thorough body checks after outings. Huang also explains how to identify ticks and the urgent steps to take if bitten, ensuring that everyone is empowered to protect themselves during tick season.

Sara Reardon, a pelvic floor physical therapist and author of 'Floored', dives into the crucial yet often overlooked world of pelvic floor health. She discusses how this area supports essential bodily functions, from breathing to sexual health. Reardon offers practical advice on recognizing symptoms of dysfunction and emphasizes the importance of open conversations about pelvic health. Listeners discover techniques for managing pelvic floor tension and learn when to seek professional help, empowering them to take action for their well-being.

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 you never learned as a kid. This episode originally published June 29, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Andy Tegel, a reporter for Life Kit, chats with foot health experts about common ailments like bunions, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Discover the importance of choosing the right running shoes and how they can affect your overall foot health. The discussion emphasizes the significance of daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, and the need for regular strengthening exercises. Tegel provides insight into how small changes in foot care can make a big difference in comfort and mobility.