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More pupils in England aged between 11 and 15 have tried electronic cigarettes than have tried smoking, according to official figures. The Health and Social Care Information Centre data showed the lowest levels of smoking or drinking ever recorded It asked pupils about e-cigs for the first time and found that more than one in five had tried them. The figures, based on a survey of 6,173 pupils in 210 schools, showed only 3% had tried legal highs. There have been consistent fal

NHS patients in England should get results for cancer tests within four weeks of being referred by a GP by 2020 under new plans to improve treatment. NHS England's cancer taskforce is also replacing old radiotherapy machines and increasing specialist staff to ensure it delivers "world class" cancer care. The five-year plan will cost £400m a year but experts say earlier treatment will result in similar savings. They say the plan could help an extra 30,000 patients survive for

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a 20% tax on sugary drinks to combat obesity. It says a third of the UK population will be obese by 2030 unless something is done to change people's diets. The BMA suggests the extra money raised should be used to subsidise fresh fruit and vegetables

"Here's your prescription, walk in the forest five times a week for an hour." According to experts, it is not inconceivable that doctors will be giving health advice like this in the not too distant future. After decades of research, the scientific world is moving closer to pinpointing how exposure to nature seems to promote well-being. A recent US study found that being close to nature might soothe the mind by reducing rumination - when negative thoughts get stuck on repeat,