BBC News
BBC News - Health
A mayor in Japan announced her maternity leave - and got the whole country talking
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:11 GMT
In the face of criticism, Shoko Kawata, 35, says she loves her job and is proud to be taking time off to have a baby.
Is watching England in the World Cup bad for your health?
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:30:14 GMT
Watching football is an emotional rollercoaster - but is it good or bad for your health?
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.
A country that made huge progress on measles now reports 120,000 cases
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:03:05 GMT
Hundreds of children are dying from measles in Bangladesh, where hospitals are overwhelmed.
What is meningitis B and why is a vaccine only being offered to some teenagers?
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:40:50 GMT
Only select groups of teenagers and some young people will be eligible for the vaccine. Here's why.
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.
Motherhood not all warm and fuzzy: Bollywood actor's play spotlights messier side
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:41:08 GMT
As a society, we take mothers for granted and raising children is a thankless job, says actor Kalki Koechlin.
Inside Health
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT
Are mosquitos biting earlier and how to optimise sperm.
What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:20:11 GMT
The fourth report from the inquiry into the pandemic said the vaccine roll-out was an "extraordinary feat".
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.
Cycling from Paris to London for Rori
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:07:03 GMT
The cyclists taking part in the Ride for Rori raised £61,000 for the Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Why heatwaves hit women harder
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:49:12 GMT
Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.
Endometriosis could be diagnosed by blood test, research suggests
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:15:59 GMT
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh say people with the condition have a distinct pattern of hormones.
Pioneering treatment saves identical twins from rare pregnancy condition
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:37:23 GMT
Identical twins Nancy and Margo benefitted from the procedure while in the womb as part of a world-first medical trial.
Many fear the NHS will continue to fail mothers and babies unless there's a cultural shift
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:06:11 GMT
Families will continue to be failed unless the NHS makes meaningful changes, BBC's Michael Buchanan writes.
Vapes to have less enticing names and flavours to protect children
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:54:49 GMT
People are being consulted about plans to stop vape companies using enticing flavour descriptions that "attract" children into experimenting.
Will ice cream or chilli cool you down?
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:37:47 GMT
Is it better to eat spicy or cold foods during a heatwave?
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.
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.
'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.
Why women suffer more in the heat
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:25:03 GMT
A look at evidence that women's bodies suffer more during a heatwave.
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.
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".
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.
Public to be asked who should pay for social care as part of major review
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:05:01 GMT
Baroness Louise Casey, who is leading the review, has called the current system "impossible".
'People don't realise how at risk they are': A day with an ambulance service in a heatwave
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:18:28 GMT
The BBC join a crew based in Exeter as the UK sizzles in one of its longest-running heatwaves.
German doctor jailed for murder of 15 patients and suspected of more
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:25:25 GMT
The German palliative care doctor has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing 15 of his patients.
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.
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.
Inside Health
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT
James Gallagher is joined by experts to answer key questions on the meningitis outbreak.
Women hit fertility tipping point at 49 - even with young donor eggs
Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:33:47 GMT
Age-related changes in the womb lining may be the cause and could be treatable in the future, say experts.
Islanders' lifestyle views could help shape future
Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:09:32 GMT
The results could help the government plan and deliver services in the future, officials say.
Heat exhaustion or heatstroke: Can you tell the difference?
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:04:39 GMT
During hot weather, it can be easy to overheat, sometimes resulting in heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Pioneering treatment saves twins in early pregnancy
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:04:37 GMT
Identical twins Nancy and Margo benefitted from the procedure while in the womb as part of a world-first medical trial.
What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:05:28 GMT
Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.
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.
Inside Health
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT
James Gallagher examines the outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent.
Rollout of Covid vaccines extraordinary feat - inquiry report
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:39:07 GMT
Covid vaccines saved hundreds of thousands of lives, but a small minority harmed need better support, says report.
Swim club calls for more school water safety lessons
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:08:04 GMT
From the autumn a new Water Safety Forum is being introduced to primary and secondary schools.
Why women suffer more in the heat
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:25:03 GMT
A look at evidence that women's bodies suffer more during a heatwave.
Why some African nations are turning down Trump aid money
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:49:08 GMT
The Trump administration sees the aid as more transactional - but some say it is not a fair trade.
Why heatwaves hit women harder
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:49:12 GMT
Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.
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".
Two tests GPs can soon offer to help spot endometriosis
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:16:09 GMT
Experts hope they will be a game-changer and cut the nine-year or longer diagnosis waits patients can currently face.
Loved and loathed: The making of India's viral liver doctor
Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:11:12 GMT
Dr Cyriac Abby Philips has built a large online following, but often clashes with India's traditional medicine specialists.
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.
MenB vaccine offers men no protection from gonorrhoea, claims major study
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:06:53 GMT
The Meningitis B vaccine does not prevent gonorrhoea infections despite being offered to at-risk men, scientists say.
Pioneering treatment saves twins in early pregnancy
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:04:37 GMT
Identical twins Nancy and Margo benefitted from the procedure while in the womb as part of a world-first medical trial.
Vaccines a huge success, but public trust must be earned - key findings from Covid report
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:02:12 GMT
Immunisation saved hundreds of thousands of UK lives, but vaccine hesitancy remains an issue.
Unmasked: The autistic women authoring a better future
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:04:26 GMT
Late-diagnosed autistic women explain the need to fill knowledge gaps after decades of being hidden.
'I forgot what it's like to be outside': Intensive care ward opens on rooftop
Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:10 GMT
The outdoor ward, at King's College Hospital in London, will monitor how much it boosts the recovery of seriously ill patients.