Class divide in health widens, says thinktank

King's Fund thinktank finds those with no qualifications are five times more likely to smoke, drink, and neglect diet and exercise

Will the Olympics leave a legacy of good health?

The nation has spent the past weeks glued to the sports coverage. Now the government needs to capitalise on the interest to overthrow our sedentary habits, says Sam Murphy

Cosmetic surgery procedures: NHS director leading safety review

Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director of the NHS, is to lead the review that is welcomed by the Royal College of Surgeons

Dr Dillner’s health dilemmas: how much exercise must I do to stay healthy?

Even though physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for premature death, people in the UK are less active than those in almost every other country, says Luisa Dillner

Wellbeing index points way to bliss: live on a remote island, and don’t work

First annual results of Measuring National Wellbeing Programme show teenagers and pensioners have key to happiness

Can happiness be measured?

Can we measure wellbeing scientifically? Economist Richard Layard, supporter of the new national happiness index, believes we can; philosopher Julian Baggini is having none of it

UK has third most inactive population in Europe

Two-thirds of British adults fail to take recommended amount of exercise needed to keep them healthy, research shows

Tobacco packets attract children. Now argue against making them plain

Deborah Taffler: The tobacco industry depends on attractive packaging to draw in young recruits as the old ones die

Close small maternity units and centralise care, demands leading doctor

Childbirth expert Dr Tony Falconer says bigger centralised units would be able to provide better care

Sexual health inquiry launched by Tory MP to block hijacking of abortion issue

Cross-party inquiry comes as investigation finds tiny number of abortion clinics in breach of administrative protocols