Life Kit: Health

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.

Get ready for a seasonal health check-in! Discover expert tips on protecting your hearing and eyes, especially in our digital world. Learn how dental hygiene connects to overall health and why your choice of footwear matters for mobility. Plus, dive into optimal bathing and skincare routines to keep your skin healthy. Overall, find practical advice to enhance well-being as you transition into fall!

Ryan Kelman, an NPR journalist and creator of the NPR Joy Generator app, shares practical strategies for lifting your mood in just 15 minutes. He discusses the surprising benefits of cold plunges and creative activities, including quick art projects. The soothing powers of ASMR and nostalgia are emphasized, with tips on how to leverage these tools for emotional relief. Kelman encourages incorporating fun experiences and reminiscing over cherished memories to combat listlessness and enhance overall well-being.

LA Johnson, NPR's Senior Visuals producer, opens up about her personal battle with intrusive thoughts after childbirth. She explores the origins of these distressing and unwanted thoughts, shedding light on their prevalence, especially among new parents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking support and employing grounding techniques for managing these thoughts. Johnson advocates for acceptance over rejection, suggesting that embracing intrusive thoughts can lead to emotional control and reduced suffering, allowing individuals to navigate life's challenges more effectively.

Neck pain can affect anyone, often leading to discomfort that radiates throughout the body. Experts delve into its various causes, offering practical tips for recognition and management. Effective exercises and the importance of proper posture are highlighted as essential for relief. They also discuss how sleep posture impacts neck health and suggest optimizing your sleeping arrangements. The blend of holistic remedies, lifestyle tips, and a touch of humor about a Hawaiian getaway makes for an engaging guide to tackling neck pain.

In this insightful discussion, Kari Kammel, Director at the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, reveals alarming statistics about counterfeit products harming unsuspecting consumers. She shares practical tips on recognizing and avoiding unsafe items, especially when shopping online. Kammel emphasizes the dangers of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and personal care products, urging consumers to stick to trusted sources. With real-life examples, she highlights how vigilance can save lives and wallets.

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

Katy Bowman, a biomechanist and movement teacher, and Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist, share insights on retraining our brains to favor physical activity over our screens. They discuss how movement can alleviate anxiety and stress, especially among teens, and introduce techniques like 'urge surfing' to overcome screen time cravings. They also emphasize the transformative power of engaging and varied physical activities, presenting movement as a form of self-compassion rather than selfishness, and suggest incorporating novelty to make exercise more appealing.