Health & Safety

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline marked two years of operation on July 16, 2024.

A checkup for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 2: Still lots to do

5:01am July 15, 2024

by Rhitu Chatterjee

The 988 lifeline has been contacted by about 10 million people either by phone, text or chat. It's gotten better over the two years, but it still has a long way to go to connect people to care.

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Health & Safety

As a baby bust hits rural areas, hospital labor and delivery wards are closing down

5:01am July 15, 2024

by Tony Leys

In some rural areas, births have dropped by three-quarters since the late 1950s, and hospitals are shuttering labor and delivery units, leaving mothers little access to care when they need it.

8 things to know about the drug known as 'gas station heroin'

6:01am July 14, 2024

by Bill Chappell

For decades, tianeptine was used to treat depression, even though no one knew how it worked. But it turns out it's a type of opioid, and the U.S. is facing a spike in abuse of "gas station heroin."

Pioneering sex expert Dr. Ruth Westheimer dies at 96

9:50pm July 13, 2024

by Chloe Veltman

Westheimer's deep knowledge about human sexual behavior and advocacy of safe sex, along with her pragmatism and sense of humor, catapulted her to national fame in the 1980s.

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Richard Simmons made it his life's work to make exercise fun — for everybody. He's pictured above in 1984.

Richard Simmons, who believed fitness is for everyone, dies at 76

7:51pm July 13, 2024

by Kyle Norris

With his short shorts, sparkly tank tops, frizzy hair and flamboyant personality, Simmons created a fitness empire. He preached positivity, portion control, moving your body — and having fun.

Health & Safety

Need free pads or tampons? In Tampa, you can visit a ‘period pantry’

3:21pm July 13, 2024

by Stephanie Colombini

Tampa Period Pantry has set up 10 locations to help fight 'period poverty.' It's attracting more attention after Gov. DeSantis vetoed funds for free menstrual products in Florida schools.

Astronomers spot a mysterious black hole nestled in a cluster of stars

8:08am July 13, 2024

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

A report from Nature shows that astronomers may have found a medium-sized black hole, a kind they've long looked for.

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businessman carrying chaos stress ball. concept of depression, stress and pressure.

What stresses you out? What helps you cope? We want to hear from you

6:00am July 13, 2024

by NPR's Science Desk

NPR is planning coverage on the stressors people face and how they find relief. Please tell us what keeps you up at night and what coping tips and techniques you'd recommend.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Kody Kinsley and Governor Cooper

North Carolina's Medicaid expansion program has enrolled 500,000 people in just 7 months

5:47pm July 12, 2024

by Associated Press

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said in a Friday news conference that his office's goal was to hit 600,000 in two years but enrollment has exceeded expectations.

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Health & Safety

How to stay cool in extreme heat without air conditioning

5:38pm July 12, 2024

by Gulrez Shah Azhar

How do you stay cool when it's 120 degrees and there's no AC? Dr. Gulrez Shah Azhar, who grew up in India, shares strategies from the Global South.