91Èȱ¬

As the Covid-19 virus spreads through Iran, Italy and Tenerife we answer listener questions about how to reduce the risk of getting infected with the virus. Many people are buying face masks - but do they work? And do hand-gels get rid of the virus as much as regular handwashing, with soap and water? Professor Jonathan Ball from the University of Nottingham in the UK is our expert.

Life expectancy in rich countries has been rising for years. But a new report shows that for the first time in a century life expectancy growth in England has stalled. And for women living in the poorest areas outside London life expectancy has been declining. Professor Sir Michael Marmot from University College London is a world authority on the social determinants of health and he was shocked by the new data.

Health Check producer Paula McGrath has been peeling back the skin to learn about human anatomy – at a life-drawing class at the Royal College of Physicians in London this week.

And - if life is so busy that people forget to take regular medications – why a pill organiser might cause unexpected problems for some patients instead of making life easier.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Paula McGrath

(Image: Life drawings by Paula McGrath. Photo credit: 91Èȱ¬)