Life Kit: Health

Allison Aubrey, an NPR health correspondent, teams up with Judith Moskowitz, a research psychologist from Northwestern University, to tackle stress management. They delve into practical skills to help you navigate life's pressures, like breathing exercises and mindful reflection. The conversation highlights the power of positive thinking and the importance of recognizing small joys in daily life. Listeners will learn actionable techniques for building resilience and emotional health, promoting a more joyful outlook even in tough times.

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/adchoicesNPR 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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Maria Godoy, an NPR health correspondent, dives into the viral TikTok trend of the 'sleepy girl mocktail,' a blend touted for its sleep-enhancing properties. She explores magnesium's crucial role in enhancing sleep quality and its influence on melatonin and cortisol levels. While some sleep specialists are skeptical about its effectiveness, Godoy emphasizes the importance of a magnesium-rich diet for natural sleep improvement. The discussion also touches on essential sleep hygiene practices to create a better sleep environment.

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/adchoicesNPR 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/adchoicesNPR 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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Allison Aubrey, an NPR health correspondent specializing in health topics, dives deep into sunscreen myths and mistakes. She highlights six common pitfalls people make when using sunscreen, emphasizing the critical role it plays in skin health. Listeners learn about the risks of improper application and the connection to skin cancer. Aubrey also discusses the benefits of broad-spectrum and mineral sunscreens, along with practical tips for maximizing effectiveness this summer. Stay sun-smart with expert insights!

For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. But sometimes, you need more than two numbers to understand your health. For example, BMI can't tell you how much of your weight is fat versus muscle. That's why a growing number of researchers and physicians prefer other metrics instead. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey breaks down the history and shortcomings of BMI, and shares other methods to get a fuller picture of your body.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this enlightening conversation, Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist affiliated with Harvard Medical School, dives into the labyrinth of sleep misconceptions. She unpacks the truth about sleep needs, emphasizing that seven to nine hours are crucial for overall health. Robbins busts myths around evening exercise, showcasing its potential benefits on sleep quality. The discussion also highlights the importance of natural light on our sleep cycles and offers practical tips for improving rest, especially for those with challenging schedules like shift workers.