A new law could help millions of older Americans get mental health help
A new law will allow more mental health providers to accept Medicare patients. Could this help close the mental health gap for millions of older Americans?
Health & Safety
Inspired by 'blue zones': 7 daily habits to live a longer, healthier life
People typically take stock and resolve to make healthy changes around the new year. Blue zones, the longest-lived communities on earth, offer lessons on habits that promote health and longevity.
Want a polar bear plunge on New Year's Day? Here's a deep dive on cold water dips
Whether it's once a year or once a week, more people are plunging into cold water for fun and health benefits. NPR spoke to researchers about what's true and what's not on this wellness trend.
For some, the start of a new year calls for a 'First Day Hike'
NPR's Rob Schmitz speaks with Julie Martin of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation about the three-decade-old tradition of January 1 "First Day Hikes."
Unforgettable global photos of 2023: Drone pix, a disappearing island, happiness
Pictures of happiness, of a disappearing Sierra Leonean island, of a pair of flip-flop-clad feet poking out of the Indian Ocean surf: Here are our photo stories from 2023 that we won't forget.
Top global TikToks of 2023: Mr. Bean of math, makeup demo, capybaras!
The most popular global TikToks of the year are a mix of the over-the-top, the weird and the wonderful. Here's a closer look at five favorites.
A new approach to schizophrenia keeps young people in school, but insurance won't pay
A new approach to schizophrenia involves managing early psychosis symptoms and keeping young people in school or jobs. The treatment is effective, but private insurance plans usually won't cover it.
A popular asthma inhaler is leaving pharmacy shelves. Here's what you need to know
Flovent — a common asthma inhaler — will be discontinued in 2024. There will be a generic version available, but the change could make it hard for some patients to get their medication.
Wildfire smoke this year woke up places unaccustomed to its effects. Now what?
Wildfires worsened by climate change spewed smoke over much of North America this year. It's a new reality Americans haven't yet processed: how dangerous the smoke is for human health.
Civil rights leader removed from movie theater for using his own chair
A civil rights leader was escorted by police out of a North Carolina movie theater after he insisted on using his own chair for medical reasons, prompting an apology from the nation's largest movie