Hanna Geissler

Andy Reynolds, a 48-year-old man from Wigan, suffered a major stroke in 2023 caused by a dural arteriovenous fistula and underwent emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital. Left with impaired control and sensation in his right arm, he used exercises, gym work and stone skimming to rebuild coordination and confidence. He is preparing to compete in the World Stone Skimming Championships and has also raised awareness through social media and a charity half marathon. Reynolds and Different Strokes stress that strokes can affect working-age adults, symptoms may be overlooked, and survivors need support tailored to their family, work and disability-related challenges.

The National Pharmacy Association is urging more regular medication reviews for people receiving multiple repeat prescriptions, particularly older patients, to reduce medicine waste. It estimates that nearly 3,400 tonnes of partially used medicines were disposed of in England last year, costing the NHS more than £480 million. The association also advises patients to request repeat medicines only when needed and to consult pharmacists about concerns. Unused medicines returned to pharmacies cannot be redistributed and must be safely destroyed.

A global phase-three trial is testing zilebesiran, an experimental small interfering RNA injection designed to lower blood pressure with one dose every six months. The Zenith trial will enroll more than 11,000 high-risk patients, including participants in the UK, and will assess blood-pressure control as well as heart attacks, strokes, hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths over up to five years. Earlier studies found significant reductions in blood pressure, and one participant reported that the injection was easier and more effective for him than multiple daily pills. Experts and Blood Pressure UK describe the treatment as promising but emphasize that longer-term safety and effectiveness data are needed before regulatory approval or routine use.

A man who lost five relatives to the inherited prion disorder Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease is campaigning to raise £10 million to advance clinical trials of PRN100, a promising antibody treatment developed at UCL. Early results from a small study suggest the drug is safe and may slow disease progression, but full trials require significant funding. The Cure CJD campaign and associated researchers are urging donors or government support to move the research forward amid the absence of treatments for prion diseases.

Swapping pastries such as croissants for wholegrain toast topped with peanut butter and banana can lower heart‑disease risk by reducing saturated fat intake and increasing fibre, potassium and healthy fats. Nutrition scientist Bridget Benelam highlights that simple, consistent dietary changes support healthier cholesterol levels, steadier energy release and improved long‑term heart health, aligning with recommendations from the British Nutrition Foundation.

A U.S. study of nearly 2,700 older adults found that high blood levels of the protein p-tau217 strongly predict the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment up to a decade before symptoms appear. Individuals with very elevated levels faced a 78 percent risk within ten years, surpassing the predictive value of brain scans or genetic tests. Researchers say the test could enable earlier diagnosis and support clinical trials for preventive treatments, though further validation is needed. UK researchers are also evaluating the test, with Alzheimer’s organisations highlighting its potential while noting the importance of continued investment and research to understand its limitations.

High temperatures can lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and causing dehydration, placing strain on the heart, especially for people with high blood pressure or those taking certain medications. Sweating reduces blood volume, potentially leading to dizziness and fatigue, while medicines such as diuretics and beta blockers can heighten sensitivity to heat. The Met Office expects several days of hot weather across the UK, though not record‑breaking. Staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat, limiting alcohol and monitoring symptoms can help manage risks, and people are advised not to stop prescribed medication without medical guidance.

Warnings from Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam and a report by the Tony Blair Institute highlight that the UK remains vulnerable to future pandemics due to limited domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity, geopolitical uncertainty and reduced global health funding. While mRNA technology and new facilities have improved readiness, key infrastructure was sold off and many vaccines still depend on international supply chains. Van-Tam argues that vaccine production should be treated as critical national security, comparable to energy or food security, and stresses that preparedness cannot be built during a crisis. Public willingness to support restrictive measures has weakened since the Covid-era political scandals. The government maintains that pandemic preparedness remains a priority, supported by its new strategy and investment in health protection.

A new anti‑inflammatory drug, SNT‑4728, showed reduced brain inflammation in a phase 2 trial involving patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder, a condition that often precedes Parkinson’s disease. The trial, funded by Parkinson’s UK and run by Syntara, included 41 participants in the UK and Australia, with most receiving the drug over three months. Brain scans indicated reduced inflammation in the putamen for two‑thirds of treated patients, suggesting potential to slow neurodegenerative processes linked to Parkinson’s, though longer studies are required to confirm clinical impact. Researchers and clinicians describe the early findings as encouraging, and volunteers like Marisa O’Connor reported modest symptom improvements during participation.

Portraits by Rankin highlight scientists leading malaria eradication efforts amid rising resistance and funding challenges. UK‑backed researchers are developing gene‑drive mosquitoes, next‑generation vaccines targeting multiple parasite stages, and simplified drug regimens to prevent relapse. Charities and scientists stress that sustained UK government support is crucial to advancing innovations that protect children in Africa and strengthen global health security.

NHS 111 call handlers and clinical advisors describe the wide range of cases they manage, from minor injuries to life‑threatening emergencies, while highlighting the system’s role in easing pressure on A&E. Staff recount unusual calls and the emotional demands of the job, and patients describe rapid, effective care enabled by the service. NHS leaders emphasize improving response times, expanding digital access and ensuring callers are directed quickly to appropriate treatment to support the broader health system.

A lifelong England football fan awaiting a kidney transplant urges supporters to use World Cup match breaks to confirm their organ donation decisions. Restricted by dialysis and unable to travel far from London, he emphasizes the growing transplant waiting list and the urgent need for more registered donors. NHS Blood and Transplant highlights rising demand, low registration rates in England, and the importance of formally recording donation wishes to help save lives.

NHS leaders warn that increasing amounts of unverified health advice on social media are influencing patients to pursue unproven treatments. To counter misinformation, the NHS is launching a TikTok channel to provide reliable guidance, particularly targeting young people. Healthwatch England supports the move, citing rising use of social media and AI tools for medical information and highlighting associated public‑health risks.

Nearly half of NHS trusts in England lack a formal post‑treatment pathway that includes psychological support for cancer patients, with major regional disparities. Research by Future Dreams shows that many patients need emotional help years after treatment, yet some trusts offer no support at all. Clinicians, survivors and charities warn that patients frequently struggle with the psychological aftermath of cancer once active treatment ends. The Express Cancer Care campaign exposed inconsistent use of NHS holistic needs assessments, prompting a Labour commitment to provide every patient with a Personalised Cancer Plan. Charities caution that training and leadership are essential for the policy to have real impact and argue that survivorship support must become a standard part of cancer care.

Mexico’s high-altitude home advantage at Estadio Azteca is expected to challenge England, with reduced oxygen levels, heat and humidity increasing fatigue and slowing play. Sports scientist Dr Lindsey Hunt explains how altitude affects aerobic performance and ball movement, while England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team cannot adapt in time. Despite these conditions, bookmakers still expect a close match.

A government-commissioned review led by Baroness Amos found recurring systemic failures in maternity care across 12 NHS trusts, highlighting issues including women not being listened to, racism, gaslighting, and poor leadership. The government accepted the recommendation to establish a statutory Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner and announced £41 million in new neonatal safety funding. The report identified outdated and unsafe facilities, while NHS leaders pledged rapid improvements. Debate arose over the report’s repeated use of the term “birthing people,” which some campaigners criticised as disregarding women’s experiences.