New Zealanders are finding out the hard way about the high cost of healthcare.

New evidence that a combined oral contraceptive pill containing the progestogen hormone drospirenone appears to put women at higher risk of blood clots than older types containing levonorgestrel has just been published by researchers at the University of Otago and Boston University.

Over-indulging in chocolate is probably the biggest health hazard most of us will face over Easter but, as sure as eggs, someone will develop a tummy bug, step on a rusty nail or bounce off a trampoline.

Cantabrians are being reminded of the dangers of potting mix and compost when gardening this Easter weekend.

Encouraging parents to get their child immunised on time is one of the key messages for National Immunisation Week which kicks off on Saturday.

Whooping cough not only affects the young; people over 45 are also getting diagnosed with the highly contagious bacterial disease, a study carried out by a Waikato DHB clinical research team has found.

The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has lifted the health warning at Taylors Mistake and in Lyttelton Harbour.

Carparking arrangements for visitors and patients to Waitakere and North Shore hospitals will be changing. These changes will apply from 13 June at Waitakere and 1 July at North Shore.

Health Minister Tony Ryall has approved more than half a million dollars in extra funding that could reduce adverse medicines events by at least two-thirds.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is reminding parents about the risks associated with measles and the need to make sure your children's vaccinations are up to date.