Overall influenza activity continued its steady drop below the baseline for the third consecutive week. Our influenza season is almost over, and this will be the Ministry of Health's last update on the pandemic influenza.

Wellington, Oct 7 NZPA - The Government is making good progress in fixing delays in hospital emergency departments, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

He said today they were delivering on their targets as they played a role in improving frontline services.

A new website launched by the Southern Cancer Network (www.southerncancernetwork.org.nz), offers advice on how to take good care of yourself in order to reduce your risk of becoming ill later in life.

Wellington, Oct 7 NZPA - Health Minister Tony Ryall has continued to fire warning shots about tight times ahead in the public sector and says the next health sector budget increase will be less generous than in previous years.

Test results from swab sampling of locations in the path of the smoke plume from last Saturday's fire at New Lynn's Planet Kids have returned negative.

What makes The Brainwave Singers different? The Brainwave Singers have neurological conditions and sing to improve their speech and voice.

Wellington, Oct 6 NZPA - A pre-pregnancy diet rich in green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit could reduce the risk of a baby being born underweight and undernourished by up to 50 percent, a new study shows.

The Public Service Association (PSA) says it's time the government increased its funding of the disability care sector.

The call comes after two subsidiaries of IHC were placed into statutory management.

Wellington, Oct 5 NZPA - A Massey University research team needs 1000 pregnant women to take part in a sleep study.

The study, called E Moe, Mama, will track the women's sleep patterns and examine how patterns change during and after pregnancy.

Wellington, Oct 5 NZPA - Gold kiwifruit can help boost a diner's iron levels, according to new research by Massey University.