Life Kit: Health

Approximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researchers developed a five step plan to prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. NPR's Short Wave talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a t

In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates are rising among people under age 50. This episode, we explore how you can lower your risk and make sure you catch colorectal cancer early.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine with the help of hearing experts — and get surprising advice on phone volume, noise exposure and Q-tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Eye health is more than just an annual eye exam. Learn how to protect your eyes from screens, read your prescription and understand what does and does not affect your vision.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our bodies need protein to maintain muscle. That's important because muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then declines. In this episode, tips about understanding how much protein you really need.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The popular weight loss drug Ozempic makes shedding pounds seem like magic. But the reality is more complicated, says family physician Dr. Mara Gordon. She explains why it's hard to talk about Ozempic without addressing weight stigma and diet culture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A sleep psychologist and a sleep physician explain the factors of the perfect nap and the importance of daytime rest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offers five accessible ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality and change your habits to limit indoor air pollution. This episode originally aired on May 9th, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Worry you're drinking too much coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug — and explain why caffeine may not deserve its bad reputation. This episode originally aired on March 7, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy