Rob Knight

Dr Amir Khan has described the UK’s regional life-expectancy gap as a national crisis, noting that people in affluent areas such as Marylebone and Berkhamsted may live up to 18 years longer than those in poorer areas including Glasgow, Blackpool and Grimsby. The disparities are linked to housing, pollution, financial security, education, transport and access to healthy food. Health Equals, supported by Khan and Will Mellor, is calling for the government to make improving population health and reducing inequalities a legal duty. Polling found that 95% of adults view the gap as a problem, while only two in ten believe the government is doing enough.

A poll of 2,000 UK adults found that learning languages, playing musical instruments, writing, painting, photography and pottery are among the most desired hobbies, but cost is the biggest barrier, followed by lack of time, confidence and uncertainty about how to begin. Many respondents regret postponing their interests, and some feel held back by fears of judgment, isolation or age. The research also found that seven in ten people want to change their lifestyle, with confidence declining sharply across older generations. London had the highest proportion of residents who had yet to start a desired hobby. The findings were released to promote Davina McCall’s Begin Again podcast partnership with Monzo and its Get busy living platform, which includes free hobby and wellness events in several UK cities.

A poll of 1,000 UK mothers found that 54% considered breastfeeding harder than expected, with pain, leaking, hunger, thirst, frequent and cluster feeding, public feeding difficulties, loneliness and uncertainty about milk supply among the most common surprises. Breastfeeding affected the mental health of 18% of respondents and influenced relationships for 79%, although 96% experienced a special moment, 44% felt a stronger bond with their baby and 22% felt empowered. Midwife Sophie Martin recommends practising positioning and attachment, staying hydrated, responding flexibly to feeding patterns, resting when possible and treating oneself kindly.