‘Agents of change’: Kenya’s traditional midwives help cut deaths of mothers

Kenya has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates but rural birth attendants are now helping make deliveries safer

Manchester’s minority ethnic women to tell ‘untold stories’ of childbirth

Oral history project will preserve experiences, traditions and cultural practices of black and Asian mothers

Walking just 4,000 steps a day can cut risk of dying from any cause, analysis finds

Study also finds each additional 1,000 steps daily are associated with a further 15% reduction in risk

Eager for a mind-bending trip? A ‘psychedelic concierge’ can help

They say they’re not drug dealers – merely intermediaries who assist those looking for a transcendent experience

‘We have hope for some breakthroughs’: can we change the way we treat schizophrenia?

Scientists are cautiously optimistic that new approaches to treating the disabling condition may improve the lives of those affected by it

Adopt eight lifestyle changes to add 20 years to your life, researchers say

People could live longer if they make changes such as managing stress and avoiding cigarettes, study finds

Inquisitive, beloved Canadian sex educator Sue Johanson dies aged 93

Johanson was venerated as a forthright educator who filled voids left by the absence of sex ed curricula at US and Canadian schools

I looked for happiness in the world’s most contented nation – and learned the importance of pessimism

Yes, Finland has nature and saunas in abundance. But to my surprise, I learned that pessimism has a vital part to play, says writer Lucy Pearson

Naps are healthy, scientists say – so why has Spain given up on the siesta?

As study shows a daytime doze may help brain’s health, for Spaniards the idea is outdated and cliched

So daytime naps can boost your brain power? No wonder I’m a crossword genius

News that a quick siesta can improve cognitive function is little surprise to those who’ve seen the results of my 2pm doze, says Guardian contributor Tim Dowling