The government is proposing a new service called Health Direct, which will be developed as a telephone, internet and digital television service. It will feature information on diet and nutrition, and include links to existing services where health information can be obtained. It is expected to start broadcasting in 2007.
Media and marketing are at the centre of the government's plans to get people to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
'Choosing Health' outlines an extensive strategy for marketing health, highlighting several areas which it will focus on initially. These include sexual health, particularly targeting younger men and women; obesity, to raise awareness of the health risks; smoking, to motivate smokers to quit; and alcohol, to cut down binge drinking.
The government highlighted ways in which marketing programmes had proven successful, such as the "5 a Day" campaign, to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Market research is likely to feature, with the government saying it will make sure that information is based on an understanding of what different population groups need.
It said it would base each element of any new campaign on the best available evidence and best practice, tested to ensure that the messages get across to the relevant target audience.
After consulting with the media on where it sees itself in the fight against obesity, the government said it would capitalise on the vast appetite for topics such as health, obesity, diet, exercise and smoking by expanding briefings by the chief medical officer, and developing a forum for national and regional media to discuss major health issues.
The paper, published by health secretary Dr John Reid on Tuesday, proposes restrictions on the advertising of unhealthy food when children are watching television, and will see smoking banned in restaurants and cafes.
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