The first of today's changes and perhaps the most important for pharmacists is the rise in the NHS prescription charge in England, which comes into effect today. The increase of 25p has taken the charge to £7.65 per item, the BBC reports.

Meanwhile developments in medical treatment continue to thrive, as the Telegraph reports that a vaccine against heart disease could be available within the next five years.

And that's not the only medical development to provide hope today after medicine watchdog NICE gave the go-ahead to a new £2-a-day pill that will help to prevent a stroke in those with an irregular heart rhythm, the Telegraph writes.

But while change in some areas of healthcare continues, MPs are still calling for a transformation of the Care Quality Commission as the health and social care regulator's performance is branded a failure, the BBC reports.

Failing to implement change is not only affecting the CCG, as the BBC also reports that 20 of the country's 22 councils have failed to enforce a ban on smoking in playgrounds, survey results have revealed.

The battle against smoking is to be given a boost as the government rolls out an anti-smoking campaign that highlights the harmful effects second-hand smoking has on young children, the Telegraph reports.

But before you can protect that child from second-hand smoking, it has to be born, and according to the Telegraph, is taking much longer than it used to. Labour is now an average of two and a half hours longer than it was 50 years ago, research has found.

And that's not the only thing women have to worry about as the Independent reports that female mortality rates in the UK are higher than the rest of Europe.

Best not be eating any fast food then, not only is it high in fat but, according to the Telegraph, now has a negative impact on people's mental health. A study showed that those who ate hamburgers and pizza on a regular basis were 51 per cent more likely to develop depression than those who rarely do.

Not that living longer poses any particular attraction as the Telegraph also reports that almost 200,000 more pensioners will be forced to pay all the costs of their care in the coming years.

In pharmacy news, Januvia (sitagliptin) has gained a new licence extension from the MHRA for use in people with type 2 diabetes with moderate to severe renal impairment. It follows two 54-week studies looking at the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin compared with glipizide in patients with the condition.

The Pharmacy Practice Research Trust is now accepting applications from pharmacists interested in furthering their research experience for its Research Awards and Research Training Bursaries.  The Research Award scheme has two funds available to registered pharmacists: the Galen Award for one or more awards up to a total value of £10,000 and Sir Hugh Linstead Fellowship, which provides one or more awards made annually to a total value of £45,000. For more information, click here.

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that it is reducing the cost of its newly approved oral anticoagulant Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) by 13 per cent to £2.20 per day, effective from April 1, 2012.

Superdrug has announced it will be giving 79 of its London stores a makeover ahead of the Olympics. The first half of this year will see the health and beauty multiple redesigning 21 of its London branches, as well as "refreshing" 58 of its stores in the city. Superdrug's Marble Arch store will be the first to receive the makeover treatment, and will be refurbished to include a beauty clinic, brow and lash bar and The Perfume Shop counter.

In other news, AAH reports that independent pharmacists were "more active than ever" on this year's National No Smoking Day. Many pharmacies successfully engaged with the public by holding open days with giant props.  

In other news, AAH report that independent pharmacists were "more active than ever" on this year's National No Smoking Day. Many pharmacies successfully engaged with the public by holding open days with giant props.   

Eight senior managers from Alliance Healthcare UK and Alliance Boots are set to cycle the 894 miles between John O'Groats and Lands End in order to raise money towards Europe's first state-of-the-art Biobank for the study of colorectal cancer. The challenge, which will take place between May 23 and 26, is part of the fundraising activities within the five-year pan-European partnership between Alliance Boots and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Charitable Trust. 

Finally, Four Rowlands employees will be taking on the London Marathon on April 22 to raise money for the NSPCC. The team will be joined by two runners from Rowlands' PR company, Guerilla Communications, who are both attempting the 26-mile trek for the first time. Rowlands managin director Kenny Black said the NSPCC receives about 6,000 calls a day, which cost the charity £4 each to answer. Mr Black said the team would "greatly appreciate" any donations, which can be made here.