Heart attacks and strokes are among the leading causes of death globally, with millions suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) every year. There are more than seven million people in the UK alone, with about 100,000 patients experiencing heart attacks annually. However, a group of researchers at University College London (UCL) estimate that one 'polypill' taken daily day could eliminate a majority of these cases dramatically lowering death tolls.

The proposed polypill, a combination of a statin and three blood pressure-lowering drugs, has been under study for over two decades. Experts argue that introducing this pill universally for individuals aged 50 and above could be more effective than the current NHS Health Check, which assesses risk factors every five years for those aged between 40 and 74.

Studies have repeatedly proven the effectiveness of the polypill in preventing CVD. A groundbreaking 2019 study in The Lancet found that five years' use of the polypill cut the risk of heart attack and stroke by a third. In addition, previous modelling analyses have estimated that if given universally to people over 55, the polypill might be able to prevent 80% of heart attacks and strokes.

Today, the NHS Health Check follows a risk-based model in which patients are tested for CVD risk factors and treated with drugs accordingly. Yet, as per UCL's study, this system has serious flaws:

Low Uptake: Just 40% of those eligible for the NHS Health Check choose to have it, leaving a considerable number of at-risk patients undiagnosed and untreated.

Ineffective Prediction of Risk: The majority of heart attacks and strokes happen to people at average risk levels, thus making it challenging to identify the need for intervention effectively.

Limited Effectiveness: Even at maximum take-up, the NHS Health Check programme is predicted to have fewer health impacts compared to a polypill initiative applied to the whole population.

Simplicity and Affordability of the Polypill Strategy

One of the big benefits of the polypill is that it is so easy. In contrast to the existing screening-based model, the polypill scheme would not involve complicated medical tests or lengthy risk assessments. Instead, people reaching 50 would just have to fill out a few questions to determine possible side effects before they were prescribed.

Professor Aroon Hingorani of the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, one of the strongest proponents of this scheme, says:

"Finally, the time is now to do much better on prevention. A population approach would prevent a lot more heart attacks and strokes than is done today with a strategy of trying to target a smaller group only."

Aside from the possible health implications, the polypill is also an economic solution. The drugs used are off-patent, thus cheap to produce and distribute. With the vast economic cost of managing CVD-related illnesses, a preventive model could result in substantial cost-saving for the NHS in the future.

The polypill has been proven to be effective by numerous international trials. In 2019, a randomised trial in rural Iran discovered that participants who took the polypill for five years had a 34% reduced risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to non-participants.

Likewise, modelling research has indicated that even if only 8% of people aged over 50 took up the polypill regimen, it would still be more beneficial to their health than the NHS Health Check programme.

Is This a Case of Over-Medicalisation?

One of the main objections to the polypill strategy is the suggestion that it might result in the unnecessary medicalisation of a significant proportion of the population. But, it is argued, it should be considered as a preventative measure, not as mass medication.

Professor Sir Nicholas Wald of UCL's Institute of Health Informatics explains:

"Instead of being a 'medicalisation' of a significant proportion of the population, a polypill programme is a prevention measure to prevent an individual from becoming a patient."

He compares it with public health measures like water fluoridation or compulsory seatbelts—interventions that have been shown to have a significant impact in reducing public health danger at low individual cost.

With the evidence in favour of the polypill's effectiveness and viability overwhelming, experts are calling on the NHS to act now. It is their belief that substituting the NHS Health Check with a polypill-based prevention program could be the UK government's flagship policy under its pledge to put disease prevention ahead of cure.

As Professor Hingorani points out, "The status quo is not a justifiable option." With CVD still a major cause of death globally, taking a population-wide polypill approach could be a turning point for preventative medicine, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. The question now is whether the NHS will take up this call and establish a policy with the potential to transform the prevention of cardiovascular disease on a national level.

New Year's Eve: In just few hours, 2025 will come to an end, and many of us will be partying, most probably drinking and watching fireworks. While all this is fun, but it could turn into a health hazard very soon, if not supervised. However, fire departments from across the states in the US have shared New Year's Eve safety tips. Let's look into it to welcome 2026 safely.

Northwestern Medicine Emergency Medicine Physician Steve R Edelstein says, "The holidays are always a busy time of the year in the Emergency Department. “Conditions outside are precarious, and people are inclined to do things they normally wouldn't do.” In such a scenario, these safety tips could come in handy.

Also Read: NHS Issues Warning for People Taking Lansoprazole for Over Three Months

New Orleans Fire Department Wants You To Stay In And Safe

New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) noted that New Year's Eve is especially cold, and urged the residents to stay warm and safe. NOFD also warned against the use of alternative heating sources like stovetops and oven and to ensure that all fire and smoke alarms are working. NOFD also will be supplying and installing 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms in the homes of any Orleans Parish resident, free of charge.

Avoid Distance From Fireworks: Louisiana State Fire Marshall

The Louisiana State Fire Marshall (LSFM) told people to keep a 200 feet distance from buildings, vehicles and flammable debris. LSFM has also warned against letting children handle fireworks, and avoid using fireworks if impaired by alcohol and drugs.

Wilmington Fire Department Says Dry Leaves And Pine Straws In Your Roof Could Be Dangerous

The Wilmington Fire Department (WFD) says that it is common to celebrate the New Year's Eve with fireworks, and "injuries with fireworks are actually very common", noted Wendy Giannini-King, Community Risk Production Coordinator with WFD. "There are dry leaves and pine straw all over your roofs. And if those fireworks go up and land on your roof, your home is in jeopardy."

Giannini-King recommends people to "Pay attention to the pine straw, have a bucket of water, or some way to extinguish those fireworks after they’re lit off. And then the other thought is a flat surface that’s free of any sort of debris."

Pay attention to the pine straw, have a bucket of water, or some way to extinguish those fireworks after they’re lit off. And then the other thought is a flat surface that’s free of any sort of debris.

Read: Top 4 Simple Tricks That Will Keep You Healthier In 2026

Village of Key Biscayne Police Department Wants Resident To Celebrate New Year's Eve Responsibly

The Village of Key Biscayne Police Department reminded all residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly. The Village of Key Biscayne PD said that their officers will be "out in full force throughout the night to support an enjoyable New Year's Eve that protects everyone in our community".

Some Safety Tips That The Police Department Shared For Safe New Year's Eve:

Drive Safely: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is illegal, if anyone spots an impaired driver, dial 911.

Buckle Up And Obey Traffic Laws: Roadways will be busy, thus allow extra time for travel.

Drink Responsibly: If you choose to drink, do it in moderation and do not provide alcohol to minors.

Firework: Be mindful when operating fireworks and do it safely.

Noise Complaints: Be considerate of your neighbors while celebrating.

Animal Rescuers Share Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe

Workers at the Dessin Animal Shelter note few things one can do to keep your pets safe during New Year's Eve celebrations. Linda Gambone tells WNEP to keep your pets indoors, take your pets out on walk before it is late. She also recommends turning out some kind of music or TV so they can mask the sounds of it. Ensure to keep an eye on them and keep them safe.

After nearly dying of pneumonia, Wayne Lineker has finally shared a new health update from hospital, wearing a red Christmas hat. He is seen telling fans he has finally beaten the illness and is back home after what he described as weeks of “pure hell”.

The 63-year-old Celebs Go Dating star and club owner took to Instagram to announce the news, revealing that although he would miss Christmas Day in hospital, he had been cleared to go home on Boxing Day. In a video filmed from his hospital bed, Wayne was seen wearing a Santa hat and smiling as he shared the update with his followers.

“Guys, I just heard the news. I’m going home but not until Boxing Day. I’m gonna miss it by a day, oh well. Merry Christmas,” he said.

In the caption, Wayne reflected on the ordeal, writing that he had beaten pneumonia after what he called the toughest six weeks of his life. He explained that he still had two days left on an intravenous course of antibiotics, which meant spending Christmas Day in hospital, but said he was feeling grateful and relieved. He also thanked the doctors and nurses at Basildon Hospital for their care and support.

Fans rally around as Wayne shares festive hospital moments

Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of love and encouragement. One follower wrote, “Merry Christmas darling, the road to recovery looks great on you,” while another joked, “Good news, you can Christmas whenever you want.” Others wished him well and told him they were delighted to hear he was finally on the mend.

The following morning, Wayne shared another update, posting a photo with several nurses from the ward. Dressed in red and white Christmas pyjamas decorated with festive trees and the same Santa hat, he appeared in high spirits alongside the smiling staff.

“Merry Christmas everyone, love from me and all the girls at the Bursted ward Basildon Hospital,” he wrote. He added that Christmas music was playing and that he had been video calling his family, encouraging fans to check his stories for more hospital moments.

A frightening battle with pneumonia

Wayne first revealed earlier this month that he was battling pneumonia, explaining at the time that the illness had left him extremely weak and unable to walk. He later told fans that parts of his lungs were struggling to clear phlegm, despite ongoing treatment.

In another update, he admitted he was feeling worn down but determined to recover. Doctors had put him on strong antibiotics and breathing exercises, which he said he was doing daily and even hourly, alongside trying to stay active around his hospital room.

He also revealed that surgery was being considered if the infection did not clear. The procedure, described to him as a keyhole operation involving a lung washout, was presented as a last resort. At the time, Wayne said it was touch and go whether he would be home for Christmas.

According to the Daily Mail, Wayne was treated for two severe bouts of pneumonia, a serious infection that attacks the lungs and respiratory system and can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable patients.

Now back home, Wayne shared one final upbeat post, punching the air in an orange tracksuit top, trainers and sweatpants. Smiling broadly, he told fans he was thrilled to be home and focused on resting and continuing his recovery.

Have you been taking Lansoprazole for more than three months? Here is the NHS warning you should not be ignoring. The National Health Service or NHS has important guidance on its website for anyone prescribe lansoprazole, this is especially if you have been taking it for three months or more.

What Does The NHS Guidance Say For Lansoprazole?

The NHS website notes that if you have been taking lansoprazole for more than three months, the levels of magnesium in your blood could fall. The NHS is warning against the long term use of this common indigestion medicine as it could lead to low magnesium levels that can cause fatigue, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches, shakiness, and irregular heartbeat.

If you experience any such symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor.

What Is Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a widely used medicine that is prescribed by many doctors throughout the UK. It is one of the common and frequently prescribed proton pump inhibitors or PPIs by the NNHS, which account for a significant portion of all prescriptions dispensed in England.

This medicine is used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and helps to treat and prevent various acid-related conditions.

Also Read: This Common Heartburn Medicine Causes Bone Loss And Fractures, According To Doctor; Here Are Safer Alternatives

Lansoprazole is used to treat these following conditions:

• Indigestion and heartburn
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach and duodenal ulcers
• NSAID-associated ulcers
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Similar Medications Available

Four medications similar to lansoprazole that also are proton pump inhibitors and help in lowering the acid in your stomach and have similar side effects are:

• Omeprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Pantoprazole
• Rabeprazole

Case Study

Health and Me has previously reported on the case of pantoprazole, where a doctor pointed out how it led to low levels of magnesium and brittle bones. This is one of common medicines in many households, including India. Dr Obaidur Rahman, Ortho and Sports Surgeon pointed out that pantoprazole, popularly sold under the name PAN40, PAN Top or PAN D. These medicines are used to treat and relieve symptoms of heartburn, which is a common symptom of acid reflux and GERD.

"A patient came to me, he was an 80-year-old male. He has a habit of taking this tablet regularly, and because of that he suffered an osteoporotic fracture. This means he fell while walking and fractured," points out Dr Rahman.

Doctor says that many people, old and young, alike, have a habit of taking this pill like a multivitamin. In fact, they have substituted with pro and prebiotics and assume that it helps with digestion. However, he points out, "If you take this regularly, your gastric mucosa stops responding against proper acid production. And there is also an impairment in digestion."

He says that in clinical practice, it has been found that this common household medicine, which is often procured as over-the-counter or OTC medicine, meaning, without prescription, could cause Vitamin B12 deficiency, and magnesium deficiency.