BBC News

BBC News - Health

Energy drinks to be banned for under-16s in England from April

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:57:47 GMT

It will be illegal to sell high-caffeine beverages to under-16s from April next year, but soft drinks with lower caffeine levels will not be affected.

'Evidence lacking' for mental health monitoring tech

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:48:36 GMT

The Lampard Inquiry hears from experts about Oxevision technology.

More young women in their 20s are getting type 2 diabetes

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:03:43 GMT

England is seeing "a worrying increase" in women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes, say experts. Here's what to look out for.

Rare identical quadruplets born in Australia

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:57:32 GMT

The parents of the four naturally conceived girls were taken by "immense surprise" with the pregnancy, the hospital said.

How AI can help with healthcare

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:50:31 GMT

Dr Chris and Dr Xand continue their conversation about AI medicine with Dr Emma Karoune.

Doctors failed to spot my hidden condition for so long I was left permanently disabled

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:21:57 GMT

Actor Daneka Etchells is performing in a show which reflects her experiences of "medical gaslighting".

Inside Health

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Does the success of the HPV vaccine mean that cervical screening can be reduced?

'Life-changing' MS drug to help people walk now on NHS in England

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:38:58 GMT

Fampridine boosts nerve signals to make it easier to walk, with up to 5,000 eligible.

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:29:06 GMT

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

Inside Health

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Are mosquitos biting earlier and how to optimise sperm.

Targeted prostate cancer treatment cuts risk of side effects, study suggests

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:36:40 GMT

An NHS trial over 10 years followed nearly 3,500 men who received focal therapy, a less invasive treatment.

UK wasted £10bn on PPE that left NHS staff poorly protected, Covid inquiry finds

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:12:53 GMT

Healthcare staff were unable to properly protect themselves, or those in their care, from dangerous infections, says the latest inquiry report.

Inside Health

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher finds out how a hot flush feels - and delves into a new treatment.

Female veterans support group makes national impact

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:52:22 GMT

Chelley Tulloch, a former RAF medic, is one of 48 female veterans to benefit from the groups' help.

I'll lose my bowel because my pain was dismissed until my husband spoke up

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:01:10 GMT

An operation left Donna Davies in constant pain but she only felt believed when her husband spoke up.

Rise in women in their 20s developing Type 2 diabetes

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:35:15 GMT

England is seeing a "worrying increase" in young women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes.

Why Joe Marler turned to cycling

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:10:31 GMT

Joe Marler tells BBC Sport's Alex Fletcher about the benefits of cycling.

My fitness tracker knew I was pregnant before I did

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:09:18 GMT

Ravika is one of hundreds of women who are noticing early pregnancy signs through the data on their fitness trackers.

Doctors vote to take strike action in row over pay

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:08:16 GMT

The British Medical Association is in dispute with Manx Care over "pay erosion since 2008".

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:27:32 GMT

Researchers launch a "Laughter Lab" to explore how laughing can improve wellbeing and health.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

More protein or less? The foods to get you through a heatwave

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:05:56 GMT

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

I had to stop modelling because I kept passing out from crippling endometriosis

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:12:23 GMT

Three women describe how endometriosis has affected their careers, as an inquiry takes place.

UK humanitarian worker monitored for Ebola in London hospital

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:52:35 GMT

The health worker was evacuated to the UK from the DR Congo after being potentially exposed to the virus.

Granny wins care home Happy Hour law change

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:57:55 GMT

Anita Le Brun, the face of a campaign to allow for alcohol to be served at care homes without a licence, is celebrating its success.

The hidden cost of the night shift and how to sleep it off

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:01:55 GMT

More than three million people in the UK work night shifts, which can greatly impact their health. What can be done to help them?

Baby can't access lifesaving treatment

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:15:17 GMT

The parents of baby Macs fear he has days to live and say he urgently needs specialist equipment.

'I couldn't leave the house, I worried I'd cheat': The rise of relationship OCD

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:34:41 GMT

Relationship OCD is gaining awareness, but limited data means little is known about how common the condition is.

How to get through World Cup-induced sleep deprivation

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:09:31 GMT

The euphoria from England's dramatic victory over Mexico might not be enough to get you through Monday.

Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:26:34 GMT

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Teenagers from 15 should be given free MenB vaccine, say UK experts

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:36:13 GMT

Advisers are asking the government to consider introducing MenB jabs following concerns over an outbreak in Kent earlier this year, in which two people died.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:27:27 GMT

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others.

UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:16 GMT

The UK medicines regulator has given approval for an experimental vaccine to be tested on healthy adults.

'Fibroids left me in excruciating pain'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:51:25 GMT

Woman's Hour discusses fibroids and the need for greater knowledge about the pain they can cause women.

We are living fewer years in good health: Is the NHS part of the problem?

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:42:35 GMT

What is driving the UK's fall in healthy life expectancy?

A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:17 GMT

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

What type of procrastinator are you - and how to fix it now (not later)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:09:00 GMT

The nine types of stalling that researchers say can reveal something deeper about us and why it's not always bad.

Your tips on getting a fussy child to eat, and six recipes they'll love

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:16:08 GMT

Want to avoid battles over broccoli and squabbles over spinach? We've asked you for your advice on how to cope at mealtimes over the summer holidays.

What does hot weather do to the body?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:18 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:08 GMT

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:43:26 GMT

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

'You are not alone with endometriosis pain'

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:02:03 GMT

Endometriosis wellbeing hubs are being called for by a Medway woman.

Doctors failed to spot my hidden condition for so long I was left permanently disabled

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:21:57 GMT

Actor Daneka Etchells is performing in a show which reflects her experiences of "medical gaslighting".

Resident doctors take strike action over pay

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:45:58 GMT

The BMA said there will "undoubtedly be cancellation of operations, outpatient appointments and elective care" but "patient safety will still be prioritised".

Starting uni? What to know about the free NHS meningitis B jab in England

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:22:34 GMT

It follows the UK's largest and fastest growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year.

Why do we procrastinate?

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:06:44 GMT

The cause can be hidden or buried, says Dr Itamar Shatz, a lecturer at Cambridge University who is publishing a book on the subject this week.

County the place to develop spiritually, says monk

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:19:34 GMT

A senior Buddhist monk says Herefordshire has "everything" for a "person to be happy".

Covid inquiry PPE report - key findings

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:45:44 GMT

What went wrong with the government's planning and buying of vital items like gloves and gowns that cost taxpayers billions of pounds.

'If only people knew what a tick could do' - the deadly meat allergy caused by tick bites

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:01:00 GMT

Mammalian meat allergy is a growing problem along Australia's east coast - and it's caused by tick bites.

Why wellness is booming at festivals in the UK

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:09:26 GMT

Organisers say they are seeing more demand for wellness events such as yoga and running clubs.

Removing tax from sanitary products 'pointless'

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:29:25 GMT

Jersey's government has spent more than £500,000 on its free period product scheme since 2022.

Inside Health

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Also, running during pregnancy and how to recover.