Life Kit: Health

Life Kit: Health

Author: NPR Language: English Episodes: 100
You know that feeling when you have a simple health question, but searching for answers online leaves you more confused than when you started? That’s where Life Kit: Health comes in. Produced by NPR, this podcast cuts through the noise and delivers clear, actionable guidance you can actually use. Instead of overwhelming theory, each episode focuses on a single topic-whether it’s improving your sleep, understanding nutrition labels, or starting a sustainable exercise routine-and brings in credible experts to break it down. The conversations are grounded in science but translated into practical steps, making it feel like you’re getting trustworthy advice from a friend who really did their homework. This isn’t about drastic overhauls; it’s about manageable tweaks that add up to a healthier, more informed life. You’ll hear straightforward interviews and relatable stories that make complex health concepts accessible. For those who want to support the show directly, there’s Life Kit+, a subscription that offers an ad-free listening experience. Tune in whenever you need a reliable, no-nonsense resource for navigating the everyday decisions that shape your well-being.
Episodes
Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
Why do we have pain in the absence of injury, or long after our tissue has healed? How can the same pain stimulus feel so different, depending on who you are, or even what day it is? Neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Co…
4 myths about women's health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:02
Do women really need to focus on cardio? Worry about heart health? Do a yearly mammogram? Meghan Rabbitt, author of the new book The New Rules of Women's Health, sets the record straight.Find the BCRAT calculator here: h…
Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:04
Do you feel like you're sleepwalking through the week? Instead of reaching for your third coffee of the day, consider tweaking your lifestyle habits. Gut health expert Dr. Amy Shah explains how small changes in your diet…
Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:27
Is there a right way to trim your nails? Are manicures bad for your hands? Can a supplement help with nail growth and health? We'll answer all these questions (and more) in this episode of Life Kit.Follow us on Instagram…
Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:52
Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive care. This episode, health care reporter Sarah Boden shares t…
7 kinds of rest (other than sleep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:48
In Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book, Sacred Rest, she outlines different kinds of rest you may be craving. From the mental to the physical, Dalton-Smith shares how to identify what kind of respite you need and how to embr…
Some patients face hurdles getting PrEP. Here's what to know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:43
A daily preventive pill can be invaluable for people at risk for HIV. But some doctors don't know much about prescribing them and billing headaches are common. Here’s how to overcome those obstacles.Have a question about…
How to save a life with CPR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help double or triple survival rates. In this episode, we'll expl…
How to interpret the new dietary guidelines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:25
In January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released new dietary guidelines calling for a significant reset in nutrition policy and "an end to the war on saturated fat." The guidelines come with a new food pyramid…
What to know if your hospital drops your insurance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:50
Patients sometimes find themselves scrambling for affordable care when their insurer and hospital get into a contract dispute. Here are six things to know if that happens to you.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up…