people and M?ori are more likely to smoke. Heavy drinking, sun exposure, poor nutrition and obesity can also contribute to cancer. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Cold, damp houses and polluting heating can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma. Health services From 1939 public hospitals were free. From 1941 prescription medicines were free and the government subsidised doctors' fees. Charges were reintroduced for prescriptions in 1985, but were reduced to $3 for most people in the 2000s. Cost still put some people -- especially poorer people -- off going to the doctor. Some ended up in hospital for problems that their doctor could have solved earlier. The government ran programmes encouraging women to be screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer. They promoted healthy food, stopping smoking and exercising.