Life Kit: Health

Debunking sleep myths and highlighting the importance of sleep timing and natural sunlight. Exploring myths like functioning well on little sleep and lasting effects of sleep deprivation. Tips for better sleep including avoiding phone use in bed and keeping the bedroom cool.

Discover the benefits of reframing what counts as exercise and debunk common misconceptions about effective workouts. Learn about the misconception that exercise needs to be intense and extreme to be effective, and discover the health benefits of even small amounts of exercise. Explore the importance of starting small when it comes to exercise and using a ladder as a metaphor for building up fitness. Discuss the importance of finding exercise routines and locations that make you feel good rather than forcing yourself to do something that makes you feel bad.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Aubrey, an NPR correspondent with over 20 years of health reporting, unfolds the secrets to sticking to your New Year's resolutions. She introduces the SMART goal framework, emphasizing the importance of making goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Listeners learn how to uncover their core motivations using techniques like the 'five whys' and the value of tracking progress. Aubrey also tackles the challenges of managing distractions and email overload while promoting focused intentional goal-setting.

Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. You don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many people are told that running is not for them because of their body type. We talk to Martinus Evans, a running coach and the author of "Slow AF Run Club," about how you can start running in the body you have. This episode was originally published June 22, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Learn about the symptoms and effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Explore coping mechanisms like light therapy, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity. Discover the importance of making pleasurable plans and finding happiness in small things to cope with SAD and the pandemic. Explore the effectiveness of medication in treating SAD.

Struggling with days without a bowel movement? Discover expert insights on the causes of constipation and practical, relaxing techniques to ease discomfort. Learn about natural remedies like warm liquids and positioning, along with safe laxative options. Explore how stress impacts digestion and find out the role of dietary changes and relaxation methods in conquering this common issue. Embrace a light-hearted approach to a serious topic while gaining effective strategies for digestive health.

Dr. Jeremy Nobel, a primary care physician and author of Project UnLonely, discusses the alarming prevalence of loneliness, affecting 1 in 4 adults. He explains how chronic isolation can lead to severe health issues, including heart attacks and dementia. Nobel categorizes loneliness into psychological, societal, and existential types, offering a three-step prescription: curiosity, creativity, and authentic conversations. He emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories and building community connections to combat this widespread issue.

Wondering how to stay active despite the chill? Discover key safety tips for outdoor workouts, including recognizing frostbite and hypothermia risks. Learn how to dress smartly with moisture-wicking layers and essential gear for comfort. Get motivated by expert advice from cold-loving runners about overcoming mental barriers to embrace winter workouts. Plus, explore practical strategies to ensure personal safety while enjoying the beauty of exercising outside in the frosty air.

Explore the practice of cold plunging and its potential benefits for anxiety, mood improvement, and metabolic health. Learn how to get started safely and the recommended duration and frequency. Find useful tips for beginners, such as starting with short durations and using a cold bathtub.

In this podcast, they break down the complexities of health insurance plans, explaining terms like HMO and PPO. They also explore the distinctions between PPOs and HDHPs, and discuss tax benefits of health insurance plans, such as HSAs and FSAs. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of contributing to HSAs and FSAs, and provide information on determining tax rates and considering factors beyond cost when choosing a health insurance plan.