Episodes

  • Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?

    Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?
    Feb 10 2026
    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 tips on making the prior authorization process as smooth as possible — so you can save yourself frustration and get medical support sooner.

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    13 mins
  • 7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)

    7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)
    Feb 2 2026
    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 embrace rest.

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    21 mins
  • Some patients face hurdles getting PrEP. Here's what to know

    Some patients face hurdles getting PrEP. Here's what to know
    Jan 29 2026
    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 navigating the health care system? Contact us here.

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    5 mins
  • How to save a life with CPR

    How to save a life with CPR
    Jan 27 2026
    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 explain the basics of this emergency procedure so you can feel empowered to help in a life-or-death situation. This episode originally published on October 26, 2023.

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    19 mins
  • How to interpret the new dietary guidelines

    How to interpret the new dietary guidelines
    Jan 26 2026
    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 that emphasizes red meat, full-fat dairy and fats. In this episode, NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey unpacks the new guidelines and offers tried-and-true nutrition advice from the experts.

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    17 mins
  • What to know if your hospital drops your insurance

    What to know if your hospital drops your insurance
    Jan 15 2026
    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.

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    6 mins
  • The science of losing weight

    The science of losing weight
    Jan 5 2026
    When it comes to weight loss, there are many misconceptions about what works. So if you want to lose weight this year, here's what the science says about the potential health benefits, GLP-1 drugs, exercise and more.

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    22 mins
  • Get into strength training in 2026

    Get into strength training in 2026
    Dec 30 2025
    There are a lot of myths about strength training. But one thing is true: resistance training has massive benefits for your physical and mental health. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has the tips you need to get stronger in the New Year.
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    16 mins