Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today officially opened a new facility for children undergoing cancer treatment in Christchurch.

Using an antioxidant to reverse inflammation in the brain caused by a high-fat diet greatly improves symptoms related to obesity and type II diabetes, a new University of Otago-led study suggests.

Free Safe Tattooing and Skin Piercing Workshop Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is holding a workshop focusing on safe tattoo and skin piercing practice, and the avoidance of infection.

Researchers from the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) have launched the international SAFRON II trial, to investigate whether an emerging radiotherapy technique can result in long-term survival for lung cancer patients.

"Arthritis New Zealand is not surprised by the news that over 420,000 New Zealanders are providing unpaid care for friends or family," Chief Executive Sandra Kirby said today. She was referring to the recently released Infometrics report that analysed the social cost of caregiving.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more children than ever are benefiting from the free before school health checks.

A new survey by consumer satisfaction company, Canstar Blue, has revealed that the majority (72%) of Kiwis are convinced that multivitamins are effective and three quarters say they feel better when they take them regularly.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more support is being provided for newly qualified midwives.

"It is important that new mothers and babies receive high quality care across New Zealand," says Dr Coleman.

From the time their first teeth cut through, young children around the country are at risk of early childhood caries; a common oral health disease.

Experts, engineers, physiologists, clinicians, medical academics and students from around the world will discuss the impact of new technology on helping recovering patients at an international stroke rehabilitation conference in Christchurch in May.