Life Kit

When was the last time you got lost in a book? These days, the act of 'deep reading,' or reading with intention, can be difficult to practice. Maryanne Wolf, an expert in the science of reading, explains what we lose when we skim — and how to create an environment conducive to deep reading. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 team to implement the plan at his own hospital, about how to eliminate pain during shots. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

No matter how old you are, having a happy birthday is one of life's great pleasures, says birthday enthusiast Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming. You just need to figure out what that means for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Etiquette coach Myka Meier revisits traditional wedding customs, including the cost of wedding gifts — and how much a mother-in-law should contribute to the matrimonial budget. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply live together, but share resources and create community. In this episode, co-living enthusiasts explain how it works and how to decide whether it's right for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps home gardeners pick which plants to grow. But recently, roughly a quarter of the country has moved zones. What does this mean for your backyard plants? This episode, how to understand the changes to the hardiness zone map and other factors to think about when planning out your garden. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Introducing solids to your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens and safety to help you and your little one succeed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

There are things we're supposed to do routinely for our health: brush our teeth, shower and exercise. There's a version of that for financial health too. We'll talk about those tasks — and go beyond the number-crunching to explore how our mental health affects our finances. This episode originally published August 15, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

"A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body," says science writer David Baron. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Rooming with other people can be tricky. Here's how to negotiate a living environment that's safe, comfortable and pleasant for everyone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal with unexpected requests and more. A previous version of this story incorrectly said the company Square takes a "chunk of your tip." A representative from Square says while they charge a fee based on the whole transaction, including tip, the worker still gets the full amount of their tip. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Having dirty dishes in the sink isn't a moral failure. Therapist KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, has developed a framework for keeping up with house cleaning without feeling overwhelmed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

You can strain your eyes if you stare at a screen for too long, say eye doctors — and that can cause eye fatigue, headaches and blurry vision. Nip those symptoms in the bud with these eye care tips. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Life is full of tedious and time-consuming administrative tasks. Here's how to conquer your 'life admin' so you can get back to real life. This episode originally published September 25, 2019. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy