With Dr. Evalene Dacker, we lay out the science of STIs and then give you language to talk about them and, more broadly, about sex, with a potential partner. Because for something so fun, sex can be hard to talk about.

How to have the STIs conversation 

75% of Americans consume some kind of caffeine at least once a day. Whether your caffeine of choice is coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks, how do you know that it's working for you and not against you? We speak with experts about how you can assess your relationship to caffeine and explore why caffeine may not deserve its bad rap.

The truth about caffeine

This episode, we hear from two period experts on understanding the science of periods, management techniques and how to know when something is wrong.

The period talk you never got

Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teeth, from finding good dentist, to home teeth whitening, to the best brushing techniques.

Teeth: an owner's manual

What kind of gear should you wear? How cold is too cold? And how do you stay motivated to say, run outdoors, when the weather is dreary? Athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir, author of Running While Black, and Dr. Kelechi Okoroha, a sports medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, share their best advice.

Practical tips for exercising in the cold 

Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early or you'd like to become more of a morning lark, here are a few habits that can help you set yourself up for success at that first alarm.

How to wake up early, even if you're a night owl

More than 25 million Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While IBS symptoms present in the gut, it turns out that stress and anxiety can actually exacerbate symptoms. Here's how to identify triggers for IBS, eat a diet that decreases gas and bloating — and learn where to seek help.

Tips for finding relief from IBS

Vinh Pham, physical therapist and author of "Sit Up Straight: Futureproof Your Body Against Chronic Pain with 12 Simple Movements," explains why mobility exercises and good posture may be your best defense against muscle and joint pain.

Exercises to 'futureproof' your body against chronic pain

When your days are packed, it can be hard to find some "me time" time to unwind. You might find yourself staying up past your bedtime, scrolling on social media or watching an extra episode of your latest show, That's called "revenge bedtime procrastination." These tips can help you overcome it.

How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination

Using your health insurance doesn't have to be on an "in-case-of-emergency" basis. Learn how to make the most of your coverage by taking advantage of preventative care, strategically timing procedures and getting exercise classes covered.

How to make the most of your health insurance

Taking care of yourself shouldn't be complicated. We talk to the experts for practical advice to live a long and healthy life, based on science. Subscribe to get episodes from Life Kit on health and wellness.

Such a great podcast!! But, I can’t sleep with socks? So weird

Sleeeeeeep

Just found this and I just love it . Amazing pieces of advice!

Care giver podcast

Life Kit: Health

Thinking about taking a break from drinking? This episode will help you make a plan, navigate tricky social situations, and reassess your relationship with alcohol, so you can experience the benefits of dry January.

6 Ways To Take A Break From Drinking

Our biology makes it hard to lose weight. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight  —  or whether you even need to. We will give you five realities about biology, and they might even help you be kinder to your body. Here's what to remember: - Metabolism slows when you lose weight.- Hormonal changes that come with weight loss make you hungrier. - What you eat is more important than how much you exercise.- Exercise seems to play a big role in maintaining weight and preventing further gain.

Our biology makes it hard to lose weight. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to. We will give you five realities about biology, and they might even help you be kinder to your body. Here's what to remember: - Metabolism slows when you lose weight. - Hormonal changes that come with weight loss make you hungrier. - What you eat is more important than how much you exercise. - Exercise seems to play a big role in maintaining weight and preventing further gain.

The Biology Of Weight Loss

From the moment you wake up, your body starts to prepare for sleep. We show you how to adjust your daytime habits to get the best possible night of rest.Here's what to remember:- Start the day with natural light — from an east-facing window, or even better, go outside — to put the brakes on melatonin. - Cut the caffeine off by late morning. Even if it doesn't keep you up, caffeine impacts how much deep sleep you're getting. - Get moving during the day. Exercise can increase the quantity and quality of your sleep.- Avoid the nightcap. Alcohol makes you feel sleepy but disrupts deep sleep.- Ban the smartphone and TV from the bedroom. Too stimulating, when you should be letting go.

From the moment you wake up, your body starts to prepare for sleep. We show you how to adjust your daytime habits to get the best possible night of rest. Here's what to remember: - Start the day with natural light — from an east-facing window, or even better, go outside — to put the brakes on melatonin. - Cut the caffeine off by late morning. Even if it doesn't keep you up, caffeine impacts how much deep sleep you're getting. - Get moving during the day. Exercise can increase the quantity and quality of your sleep. - Avoid the nightcap. Alcohol makes you feel sleepy but disrupts deep sleep. - Ban the smartphone and TV from the bedroom. Too stimulating, when you should be letting go.

Do This Today To Sleep Well Tonight 

We all need strategies to push back against conflict, anger and worry.  One of the globe's leading mindfulness teachers distills the practice of mindfulness into a simple 4-step tool from her new book Radical Compassion. This daily practice can help you show up for 'life' – and let go of regret and anxiety.

We all need strategies to push back against conflict, anger and worry. One of the globe's leading mindfulness teachers distills the practice of mindfulness into a simple 4-step tool from her new book Radical Compassion. This daily practice can help you show up for 'life' – and let go of regret and anxiety.

Feeling Anxious? Here's a Quick Tool To Center Your Soul

We all can feel the effects of weight stigma, no matter what our size is. In this episode, we help you feel good about the body you're living in and give strategies to improve your health without obsessing about your weight. Here's what to remember:                                                                                - Recognize that weight stigma can actually harm your physical health.                                                                            - Remember that weight and body mass index are imperfect indicators of your health.                                                           - Focus on well-being, regardless of your weight.                     - Even if you don't experience weight stigma in daily life, ask yourself: Am I helping to perpetuate it?

Boost Your Body Acceptance For Better Health

From mediation to melatonin to putting on a pair of socks, we all have routines to help us reach that blissful state of slumber. These are the ones that work:- Forget sheep. Instead, use mental imagery — picturing a walk in the woods or a stroll on a beach — to help relax. - Relaxation and meditation apps can help you unwind. - Melatonin supplements might ease your way into sleep, but too much melatonin could disrupt it. - Over-the-counter sleep medications may knock you out, but they won't result in effective sleep.- If young kids wake you in the wee hours, don't react in a way that increases their stress — but do find strategies that make it no fun to be up.- Sleep rituals are personal. If you believe in yours, that might be all you need.

From mediation to melatonin to putting on a pair of socks, we all have routines to help us reach that blissful state of slumber. These are the ones that work: - Forget sheep. Instead, use mental imagery — picturing a walk in the woods or a stroll on a beach — to help relax. - Relaxation and meditation apps can help you unwind. - Melatonin supplements might ease your way into sleep, but too much melatonin could disrupt it. - Over-the-counter sleep medications may knock you out, but they won't result in effective sleep. - If young kids wake you in the wee hours, don't react in a way that increases their stress — but do find strategies that make it no fun to be up. - Sleep rituals are personal. If you believe in yours, that might be all you need.

Don't Count Sheep: Better Bedtime Rituals 

So many food labels proclaim their eco-virtues these days — organic. Pasture-raised. Cage-free. Non-GMO. What do they actually mean? Here are six ways to make sense of it all.- "Natural" or "sustainable" labels have no legal standard.- "Organic" means it's better for the planet, but may not be better for you.- Non-GMO is not organic. The food was still grown with pesticides.- Labels like "Animal Welfare Approved" mean the animals got to live outdoors.- "Fair Trade" products deliver a little extra money to small farmers in cooperatives.- Don't let labels stress you out. When it comes to solving the world's problems, your shopping decisions aren't nearly as important as your political decisions.

So many food labels proclaim their eco-virtues these days — organic. Pasture-raised. Cage-free. Non-GMO. What do they actually mean? Here are six ways to make sense of it all. - "Natural" or "sustainable" labels have no legal standard. - "Organic" means it's better for the planet, but may not be better for you. - Non-GMO is not organic. The food was still grown with pesticides. - Labels like "Animal Welfare Approved" mean the animals got to live outdoors. - "Fair Trade" products deliver a little extra money to small farmers in cooperatives. - Don't let labels stress you out. When it comes to solving the world's problems, your shopping decisions aren't nearly as important as your political decisions.

Free-Range Food Labels: Can My Groceries Really Help The Planet? 

When you can't sleep, your thoughts can be your worst enemy. In this episode, we explain five key strategies to help break the spiral, based on what many believe is the most effective treatment out there: cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or CBT-I. Here's what to remember:- Log your sleep time to get a reality check on how much you're actually sleeping. - Write down your anxious thoughts; then replace them with more rational ones.- Restrict the amount of time you spend in bed based on information from your sleep log.- Find a relaxation technique.- Make it a rule: The bedroom is only for sleep (and sex); no electronic devices, no lying in bed, ruminating.

When you can't sleep, your thoughts can be your worst enemy. In this episode, we explain five key strategies to help break the spiral, based on what many believe is the most effective treatment out there: cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or CBT-I. Here's what to remember: - Log your sleep time to get a reality check on how much you're actually sleeping. - Write down your anxious thoughts; then replace them with more rational ones. - Restrict the amount of time you spend in bed based on information from your sleep log. - Find a relaxation technique. - Make it a rule: The bedroom is only for sleep (and sex); no electronic devices, no lying in bed, ruminating.

Think Your Way Out Of Insomnia 

Going to a doctor who puts you at ease can actually improve your health. We have six tips for finding a primary care doctor you click with — and how you can make the most out of that relationship. - Figure out what type of patient you are, and let that guide your choice of doctor. - Seek out a doctor who makes you feel comfortable.- When you go to the doctor, go prepared. - Be clear about your agenda.- Be yourself at the doctor's office.- You have a right to give your doctor feedback. But if things aren't working, don't be afraid to break up.

Going to a doctor who puts you at ease can actually improve your health. We have six tips for finding a primary care doctor you click with — and how you can make the most out of that relationship. - Figure out what type of patient you are, and let that guide your choice of doctor. - Seek out a doctor who makes you feel comfortable. - When you go to the doctor, go prepared. - Be clear about your agenda. - Be yourself at the doctor's office. - You have a right to give your doctor feedback. But if things aren't working, don't be afraid to break up.

How To Get The Best From Your Doctor

If the mere thought of going to therapy seems overwhelming, you're not alone. Plenty of people put off seeking therapy because of the stigma, cost and inconvenience. We've got four tips to help you make your first appointment.

How To Start Therapy

Finding out you have a serious medical condition can leave you reeling. These strategies from medical and lay experts will help you be in control as you navigate our complex health care system and get the best possible care.Here's what to remember:- Your primary care doctor is the captain of your health care team.- Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. - Get organized, and find someone to help you if you can't do it yourself.- If you need a procedure, go to someone who does it all the time.- Use the Internet, but use it wisely. - Figure out what matters to you, and fight for it

Finding out you have a serious medical condition can leave you reeling. These strategies from medical and lay experts will help you be in control as you navigate our complex health care system and get the best possible care. Here's what to remember: - Your primary care doctor is the captain of your health care team. - Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. - Get organized, and find someone to help you if you can't do it yourself. - If you need a procedure, go to someone who does it all the time. - Use the Internet, but use it wisely. - Figure out what matters to you, and fight for it

Take Control Of Your Care When You're Seriously Sick

Trying to quit smoking can be hard. The good news is the science behind how to quit smoking is very clear. This episode gives you strategies to help boost your chances of success.

How To Quit Smoking, With Help From Science  

One in seven women experiences postpartum depression. But it's easy to feel alone — especially when you're told having a baby is supposed to be blissful. This episode helps both struggling moms and loved ones identify the symptoms and find treatment.

What Is Postpartum Depression? Recognizing The Signs And Getting Help

Healthy eating can be easy if you follow a few simple rules. We guide you through three types of healthy food you should eat more of, and three foods to cut back on.

6 Food Rules That Could Help You Live Longer

There are so many food tribes out there — everything from Keto to vegan. We help you understand how to pick a diet approach that's right for you.

Choose The Best Diet For You

When is snoring just annoying or the sign of a bigger health issue? Life Kit's Allison Aubrey and Maddie Sofia, host of NPR's new daily science podcast, "Short Wave" get answers from a doctor, as well as some tips to achieve a snoreless sleep.

When Is Snoring A Sign Of A Serious Health Issue?

If you've got 22 minutes, you can get an effective total-body workout. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's personal trainer Bryant Johnson walks us through an interval session and explains why it's so effective.

This 22-Minute Workout Has Everything You Need

So many weekends get filled up with too many errands, plans, and, yes, work. Never getting time to relax means feeling like a zombie come Monday. Say no to burnout by making your two days off into a mini vacation with relaxation techniques and tips to unplug.

How To Have A Good Weekend

Professional artists aren't the only people who can make art. This episode, learn how to weave art into your everyday life. Because whether you're doodling, making pottery or embroidering, creating art is good for you and your health.

Making Art Is Good For Your Health. Here's How To Start A Habit

None of us is prepared to be caregivers — the role is thrust upon us. More than 40 million Americans are caring for an elderly parent or loved one. Here are six tips to make the caregiving burden more sustainable: - Accept help, and don't be afraid to ask for it. - Break down caregiving tasks into bite-sized solutions. - Don't tell your loved one what to do. Ask about the quality of life they want and how you can get them there. - Be an empowered medical advocate for your loved one. - Get your legal ducks in order so you can focus on your relationship. - Make sure to take care of yourself, too.

None of us is prepared to be caregivers — the role is thrust upon us. More than 40 million Americans are caring for an elderly parent or loved one. Here are six tips to make the caregiving burden more sustainable: - Accept help, and don't be afraid to ask for it. - Break down caregiving tasks into bite-sized solutions. - Don't tell your loved one what to do. Ask about the quality of life they want and how you can get them there. - Be an empowered medical advocate for your loved one. - Get your legal ducks in order so you can focus on your relationship. - Make sure to take care of yourself, too.

How To Be A Better Caregiver When A Loved One Gets Sick

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!