He said they would concentrate on reducing infant mortality and the number of premature adult deaths. There will also be a target to reduce, by the same amount, the gap between the fifth of health authorities with the lowest life expectancy and the population as a whole. Over 80,000 children in 510 schools across England are now receiving a free piece of fruit each school day, in the biggest government programme to improve child health and nutrition since the introduction of free school milk in 1946. The scheme follows research which shows that eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day could help to prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and asthma. It is considered to be the second most effective strategy in preventing cancer after reducing smoking.
More people die in the home every week than in road accidents, according to a government report.
Road accidents kill 66 people a week. The public is being asked for its views on the implications of the way genes may determine certain human traits, such as aggression, antisocial behaviour, alcoholism, homosexuality and intelligence. In a consultation document, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics says complex issues are being raised by the drive to uncover links between genetic makeup and human behaviour. Depending on how the discussions with the public develop, the working party responsible for the consultation may produce guidelines for researchers in the field, and launch a campaign to help explain the issues to the public. NICE ruled that the drug could be prescribed on the NHS to children who were diagnosed as having serious hyperactivity problems.