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.

Even as India has vaccinated more than 5.2 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) over the nationwide rollout of the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, following allegations that it is being introduced without adequate study.

The court issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed administration of the vaccine to adolescent girls under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).

According to the petition, the vaccination program is being implemented without ensuring informed parental consent and adequate scientific safeguards, Live Law reported.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia described the matter as "extremely important."

According to the Centre, 52,10,302 girls across the country have received the HPV vaccine under the nationwide campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February. The figures were shared in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Court Seeks Government's Response

The Bench also asked Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma to assist the court in the matter.

"Mr Sharma, very important issue. Vaccination is a good scheme, but if there are some adverse consequences, we will have to be very cautious. Seek instructions from the Ministry. Ask some officer to come and brief you. Someone who is in charge of all this should come and brief you, and ensure that someone from the drug control organisation also comes and briefs you," the Court remarked.

The judges clarified that they were not questioning the government's intentions, but emphasized that the issue affects the health of millions of adolescent girls and therefore warrants careful scrutiny.

"We have to tread a very cautious path," the Bench observed.

Also read: Fact Check: Common Myths Around HPV Vaccine And How It Will Prevent Cervical Cancer

What Does the PIL Allege?

The PIL, filed by gynecologist Dr. Sujata Mittal and fitness influencer Jitendra Chouksey, raises concerns about the data, efficacy and necessity of the Gardasil vaccine.

The petition claims that vaccination drives are being conducted in schools and that frontline health workers, including ASHA workers, have been assigned enrolment targets. It alleges that this has, in some instances, resulted in undue pressure on adolescent girls to get vaccinated, Bar and Bench reported.

The petitioners also cited the case of a 14-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu who allegedly developed severe neurological complications—including paralysis-like weakness, loss of voice and impaired vision—days after receiving the vaccine in March 2026.

The PIL further refers to similar reported incidents in Gwalior and Bihar, questioning whether adequate vaccine safety monitoring and surveillance mechanisms are in place.

Read to Know: SHetA2: India's Indigenous Drug Candidate For Cervical Cancer

Why HPV Vaccination Matters

The national program uses Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancers, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.

According to the government, Gardasil has been licensed for use in India since 2008. The nationwide rollout follows recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While many infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical, anal, throat and penile cancers. HPV vaccination is widely recommended to help prevent cervical cancer, particularly when administered before exposure to the virus.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 29.

Children who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed foods may already be showing subtle changes in the way their bodies regulate insulin, potentially increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes in the future.

According to a new study published in the journal Nutrients, children who have higher amounts of in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had reduced insulin sensitivity and higher insulin secretion, even though they did not have diabetes.

The findings note that the metabolic changes linked to diabetes may begin much earlier in life than previously thought.

How Was The Study Conducted?

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The study analyzed data from 508 non-diabetic Mexican American children aged 6 to 17 years participating in the San Antonio Family Assessment of Metabolic Risk Indicators in Youth (SAFARI) study.

Researchers examined the participants' diets using food frequency questionnaires and estimated the proportion of calories coming from ultra-processed foods, like sugary beverages, packaged snacks, processed meats, instant meals, and breakfast cereals.

On average, more than 53% of the children's daily calorie intake came from ultra-processed foods.

Using fasting blood samples and oral glucose tolerance tests, the team evaluated 19 measures of insulin function, including insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell activity.

They found that children with higher ultra-processed food intake had lower insulin sensitivity, meaning their bodies responded less effectively to insulin. At the same time, their pancreases appeared to compensate by producing more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

"The association between ultra-processed food intake and decreased insulin sensitivity, along with increased insulin secretion, suggests that these dietary patterns may contribute to early metabolic dysfunction before overt diabetes develops," the researchers wrote in the study.

The researchers adjusted their analyses for several factors that could influence metabolism, including age, sex, physical activity, puberty, body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and family relationships. The associations remained almost the same even after these adjustments.

Poor Insulin Response From A Young Age

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Although blood glucose levels remained largely normal among participants, the findings indicate that the pancreas may already be working harder to compensate for declining insulin sensitivity.

"These findings underscore the importance of limiting ultra-processed food consumption during childhood to help preserve healthy insulin function and potentially reduce future cardiometabolic disease risk," the authors noted.

The researchers said several mechanisms could explain the link. Ultra-processed foods are often rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and food additives while being low in fiber.

These characteristics may promote inflammation, alter the gut microbiome, and impair the body's ability to regulate insulin over time.

Not Definite Cause And Effect

Also read: 13.5 Million Children Remain Zero-Dose In 2025 Despite Global Vaccination Gains: UN Report

However, the authors cautioned that the study does not prove cause and effect. Because it was a cross-sectional study, it can only identify associations.

They also noted that dietary intake was self-reported, and the findings may not be generalizable beyond the Mexican American children included in the study.

The researchers said more studies following children over time are needed to determine whether reducing ultra-processed food intake can help prevent insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their future.

Added Risk Of Hypertension In Children

Due to poor diet, hypertension or high blood pressure has become an increasingly common problem among children and adolescents

Doctors think obesity, poor diet, excessive salt intake, poor sleep, low exercise, and watching too much screen time are all factors that are driving up hypertension rates in kids and teens. Other kidney disease, heart disease, hormone imbalances, or family history can also contribute in some children.

Regular blood pressure checks on children's routine visits are very significant because many children with hypertension may be asymptomatic, experts say. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications with the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes in the long term.

Legionnaires' disease has claimed a fifth life in New York City, health officials said, as the ongoing outbreak on the city's Upper East Side continues to grow.

The New York City Health Department said at least 82 cases have been identified. Of these, eight people remain hospitalized, while 56 have been discharged. Officials said the source of the Legionella bacteria, traced to contaminated cooling towers, has likely been eliminated.

Cooling Towers Identified As Source

The Health Department tested 183 cooling towers across 160 buildings for Legionella bacteria.

The findings showed:

• 77 cooling towers at 75 buildings tested PCR-positive for Legionella in initial testing.
• 34 cooling towers at 33 buildings tested culture-positive, confirming the presence of live Legionella bacteria.
• All contaminated cooling towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.

Also read: Why One Of The World's Most Popular Museums Is Part Of A Legionnaires' Disease Investigation In NYC?

Officials Say Tap Water Is Safe

Health officials stressed that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing systems. Residents in ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, including the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, can continue to drink tap water, bathe and shower, cook as well as use home air conditioners.

However, anyone who has spent time in the affected ZIP codes should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms. According to the Health Department, Legionnaires' disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.

What Is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People become infected after inhaling tiny water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing

Who Is Most At Risk?

The disease is more likely to cause serious illness in:

• Adults aged 50 years and older
• Smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Health experts say early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, making prompt medical attention essential for those at higher risk.

How Does Legionnaires' Disease Spread?

Legionnaires' disease spreads by breathing in mist or water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water and are commonly found in:

• Cooling towers
• Hot tubs
• Humidifiers
• Large air-conditioning systems

The disease does not spread from person to person.

To reduce the risk of Legionella growth, building owners should maintain proper water management programs. The CDC also advises using genuine windshield washer fluid instead of plain water in vehicle washer reservoirs, as Legionella can grow in stagnant water.

Treatment

Legionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and most people recover with early treatment, although hospitalization is often required.

Complications can include respiratory failure and death. According to the CDC:

• About 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires' disease die from complications.
• The risk rises to about 1 in 4 for people who acquire the infection while receiving care in a healthcare facility.