Support for mothers and babies needs overhaul, says UK health minister

New preventive approach from conception to second birthday would be aimed at avoiding mental and physical problems later

Children ‘more likely to have can of pop than eat enough fruit and vegetables’

British Heart Foundation concerned about heart disease later in life as report reveals children's lifestyles lack enough exercise

Report shows that many people take little or no part in physical activity, with nearly 80% failing to hit government targets

Michele Hanson: The health service's non-emergency helpline has never been much help to the people I know who've called it

Jo Swinson singles out OK! magazine for criticism and says media needs to rethink its attitude towards women's bodies

Health campaigners warn decision to postpone law forcing tobacco firms to remove branding on packaging will cost lives

Rebecca Schiller: With support funding cut, and negative messages about the 'breastapo', even I, a doula, am sick of breastfeeding

Gregg Ratliff: Like most people, I never wanted to think much about end-of-life decisions, but it's been my reality since my wife got ALS

Shortage of midwives and beds resulting in women being forced to travel up to 65 miles to other wards or to give birth at home

Stewart Dakers: Increased longevity means young workers are picking up the bill for the past self-gratifications of the old