Episodes

  • How to have a safe, healthy summer

    How to have a safe, healthy summer
    Jun 8 2026
    Tips to help you thrive this season. We've got tips on how to effectively apply mosquito repellent (you need more than you think!), prevent tick bites, the safest place to position your grill, and keep everyone safe while swimming. Plus, advice on making a crave-worthy salad.

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    18 mins
  • 5 simple ways to minimize stress

    5 simple ways to minimize stress
    Jun 4 2026
    Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary. This episode originally aired Feb. 6, 2024.

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    17 mins
  • The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications

    The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications
    May 18 2026
    Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really take? In this episode, pharmacists and a doctor cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever. This episode was originally published on March 31, 2025.

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    22 mins
  • Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

    Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?
    May 14 2026
    According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and more. This episode, take steps to reduce the buildup of these chemicals in your body with tips from reporter and host of the podcast Safe to Drink Mara Hoplamazian -- like getting special water filters and checking other items in your home that may contain PFAS, like nonstick pans.

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    A previous version of this episode description incorrectly said that virtually all drinking water contained PFAS. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that at least 45% of the nation's tap water contains one or more of 30-plus types of PFAS chemicals.

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    20 mins
  • 5 tips to help you poop better

    5 tips to help you poop better
    May 11 2026
    Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy, shares common bathroom practices she wishes would go away — like holding your poop — and tips on how to reduce strain on the toilet.

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    23 mins
  • Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury

    Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury
    Apr 28 2026
    Explosive power is the ability to generate a lot of force quickly. It combines strength and speed. We use it in our daily lives to walk up stairs, stand up from a chair, catch ourselves when we stumble, and play sports. In this episode: specific exercises to train for explosive power.

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    18 mins
  • Make the most of a high-deductible health plan

    Make the most of a high-deductible health plan
    Apr 20 2026
    Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your deductible)? Or that you might be able to invest the money in your HSA? This episode, KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér shares tips on getting the most out of your HDHP.

    Have a question about navigating the health care system? Contact us here and you might be part of an upcoming episode of Health Care Helpline.

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    15 mins
  • Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season

    Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season
    Apr 16 2026
    Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prathyusha Savjani shares strategies you can use, both outdoors and at home, to find relief.

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    20 mins