Some of you may have noticed over the past week that cigarettes are being hidden behind rather ugly shutters in an attempt to make smoking less attractive. But action might not just be stopping there, as the BBC reports that the government is considering stripping all branding from cigarette packs sold in England. The government is due to launch its consultation into the matter on Monday.

And it seems the move couldn't be more timely as cases of lung cancer in women continue to rise, with 80 per cent of cases being linked to tobacco. Figures released by Cancer Research UK said that more than 18,000 UK women were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 compared with 8,000 in 1975, the BBC reports.

But today doesn't just see tobacco coming under scrutiny, as the Telegraph reports that chemicals in plastics, cosmetics and toys may be linked to a higher chance of developing diabetes. The chemicals, called phthalates, are used in products such as clingfilm, self tans and perfumes.

And after yesterday's reports of patients being discharged from hospital overnight, NHS chief Sir Bruce Keogh has promised to investigate the matter. A survey suggested that hospitals discharge patients at night 8,000 times a week in order to free up beds, the Guardian reports.

But lack of bed space isn't the only thing hospitals have to worry about as the Telegraph reports that hospitals in the poorest parts of England could struggle to keep crucial staff if moves to bring in local pay rates are introduced too quickly.

The BBC reports that manipulating the memories of drug use may help reformed addicts avoid returning to substance abuse, claim scientists in China. Authors of the study, which was published in the journal Science, rewrote memories in order to reduce cravings.

Meanwhile, figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show that irritable bowel syndrome led to more than 5,000 hospital admissions in England in 2011 – with women accounting for 70 per cent of such admissions.

Commonly known as a condition that affects women, the Daily Mail reports that up to five per cent of fathers suffer from post-natal depression. It's thought be brought on by sleepless night and the responsibilites of parenthood.

And news that isn't going to help parents sleep any easier is a sharp rise in cases of whooping cough. The Telegraph reports that doctors are now urging parents to make sure that their children are vaccinated.

The Telegraph reports that a DNA analysis of traditional Chinese medicines found they contain traces of endangered animals such as bears and antelope.

In other news, midwife Diana Warwick could be struck off after she was found guilty of 30 charges of misconduct, the Telegraph reports. Ms Warwick's catalogue of errors included dropping a baby from its pram.

Finally, diet plan QuickTrim from reality TV star Kim Kardashian, is to be made available through the Rowlands Pharmacy chain.