How to get healthier without working out

Plus: What happens to the body in extreme high temps

View this email online July 30, 2023 by Andrea Muraskin This week: Too hot or too busy for a workout? Here’s some ways to burn calories that are less Richards Simmons and more Seinfeld. Plus: How our bodies react to extreme heat and what happens at unhealthy temperatures. And: My insurance says I’m covered, but I’m getting collections letters. What should I do?  There's a way to get healthier without even going to a gym. It's called NEAT Laura Gao for NPR When I’m working from home, I’ll sometimes spot a dust bunny or notice the kitchen table needs wiping down. And then what do you know, I can’t seem to focus until the bunnies are dusted and the table is squeaky clean.  Performing such activities is bad for my deadlines, but good for my health. In fact, low intensity activities like household chores or walking to the store usually play a bigger role in calorie burning than working out, even for people who exercise regularly. Researchers refer to the impact of such activities as NEAT – non-exercise activity thermogenesis.  James Levine, an endocrinologist who pioneered research on NEAT, has carefully measured the energy costs of daily activities. Even little movements like chewing gum or fidgeting at your desk can get you burning more calories than you would sitting still. A gentle stroll can double your metabolic rate. Want to up your NEAT? Try to push back against the shortcuts that technology affords us. Walk instead of drive, take the stairs rather than the elevator, head to the grocery store rather than scheduling a delivery. Learn more about low-key ways to burn calories. Plus: Sitting too much drags down your mental health. Here's how to get moving   Newsletter continues after sponsor message Here's what happens to the body in extreme temperatures — and how heat becomes deadly David McNew/Getty Images Right now in most places in the U.S., you can break a sweat just standing outside or sitting in a room without air conditioning. Perspiration is your body’s natural cooling system, but that system can only do so much, especially in soaring temperatures with high humidity. It’s scary to think about, but extreme heat kills more Americans per year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. And the CDC is reporting high rates of heat-related illness this summer.  You probably know it’s important to drink lots of fluids to replace the water your body is losing through sweat. But even if you’re fit and hydrated, your body’s natural reaction to heat can be your undoing in extreme temperatures. For example, in high heat the body pumps more blood to the skin to cool it down, which can result in heart rate spikes and even heart attack.  If you’re out in the heat, experts who spoke with NPR recommend watching for the first signs of heat exhaustion, and going somewhere you can cool down ASAP. Here’s what to know.  More from NPR on staying safe and (relatively) comfortable in high heat: 8 mistakes to avoid if you're going out in the heat How to keep kids healthy in a heat wave Wet socks can make a difference: Tips from readers on keeping cool without AC 5 tips to keep your pet safe — and comfortable — in extreme heat You Make NPR Possible Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. Do your part to ensure the reporting and shows you love are here for you and your community. Help make it possible today, and for generations to come. Please donate now.    Bill of the Month: They billed Medicare late for his anesthesia. He went to collections for a $3,000 tab Rosem Morton/KFF Health News When Thomas Greene had a procedure to dilate a clogged artery in his leg, he expected that between Medicare and a supplement plan, he would be completely covered. And his statement from Medicare showed $0 owed. But a year later, he received a notice in the mail from a collections agency representing the anesthesia group that had sent a nurse and an anesthesiologist to his procedure.  Turns out, the anesthesia group was so late in sending the bill that Medicare denied it. So was Greene really on the hook for the $3,000? Was it necessary to charge for a nurse anesthesiologist and an anesthesiologist? And what should you do if you find yourself in a similar predicament? Find out in the latest edition of Bill of the Month, an investigative series from NPR and KFF Health News. Also: Someone could steal your medical records and bill you for their care   Before you go: Jonny Storey An ultra-processed diet made this doctor sick. Now he's studying why The CDC sees signs of a late-summer COVID wave Biden says new rules will boost insurance coverage for mental health Listen: Tower of Babble – what listening to babies can teach us about language We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots. All the best, Andrea Muraskin and your free-range organic NPR Health editors Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Up First, Life Kit and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. 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