ASA to introduce new guidelines on gender stereotyping in ads
In 2018, the ASA will bring into practice new guidelines prohibiting negative gender stereotypes in advertisements. This change has come about after a recent report evidenced that gender stereotypes can restrict the aspirations and opportunities for children, young people and adults. Results suggest that from the 2000 ads analysed, women tend to be portrayed as "humourless, mute" and 48% more likely to be shown in the kitchen, whereas men were typically shown to struggle performing basic household tasks. These guidelines will extend to eliminate unhealthy body images, stigmas against not conforming to gender stereotypes, objectifying body parts and positions/ jobs usually associated with a specific gender.
NHS ranked 'number one' health system
In a comparison of health care systems across 11 countries, the NHS was ranked number one. The British system beat countries such as Australia, Germany, Norway and the USA to top the rankings, being praised on its safety of its care, systems to prevent ill health and screening processes. This will be welcoming news and comes at a time when we are seeing the tightest financial squeeze in the history of the NHS and waiting times reaching record highs.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40608253
England 'on track' to stamp out smoking
The Government is pushing ahead with their 'Tobacco Control Plan' which aims to slash smoking rates from 15.5% to 12% by 2022. The UK currently has the lowest smoking rate since records began. Smoking still continues to be one of the largest health concerns in Britain, health officials state it currently kills 200 people a day. The Department of Health states that rates continue to be highest amongst low income earners, and these will be the most vunerable and hardest to convert to non-smokers. Other groups the DH intend to target in their plan include 15 year olds, cutting the rate from 8% to 3% or less and lowering smoking amongst pregnant women.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40641469
New posters for mental health campaign launched on the Underground
A new campaign is being launched in London this week tackling the stigma of mental health. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been working with over 200 experts from charities, clinics and academics, to produce the 'Thrive LDN' campaign, featuring the 'Are we OK London?' posters which will be displayed at over 200 underground stations over the next couple of weeks. Statistics show two million Londoners have suffered a mental health episode in their lives. The campaign aims to target children and work places to stamp out discrimination.
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