Latest news with #preventativecare
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
RFK Jr. looks to boot panel that decided which HIV and cancer screenings would be free: report
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly planning to remove all the members of an influential health task force that helps determine what preventative care services insurers must cover for free, after removing all members of a vaccine advisory board last month. Kennedy wants to clean house at U.S. Preventative Services Task Force next because he believes its 16 members have become too 'woke,' The Wall Street Journal reports. Under 2010's Affordable Care Act, the task force makes evidence-based, public recommendations on a variety of treatments, ranging HIV prevention to prenatal care to mental health, that insurers must cover at no cost to patients. Health and Human Services has said the secretary hasn't made a final decision regarding the task force. The Independent has contacted the agency for comment. Kennedy's reported dissatisfaction with the group comes after the American Conservative magazine accused the task force of being a 'festering corner of woke bureaucracy' in an article earlier this month. 'The task force is packed with Biden administration appointees devoted to the ideological capture of medicine,' the author argued, pointing to 'sinister' recent task force actions committing to removing racial inequities in health care and using more inclusive language around gender. Earlier this month, a July meeting of the task force was postponed. At the time, a letter from over 100 health organizations warned about the politicization of the task force's work. 'The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care,' the letter reads. 'When something works well and helps inform doctors about how to take care of their patients, to postpone the task force's work just doesn't make any sense,' Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, told The New York Times after the meeting was postponed. 'This flies in the face of what is good for the country's health.' In June, the Supreme Court upheld the task force's ability to recommend free coverage for preventative services, in the face of a challenge from individuals and businesses objecting to the body's recommendation regarding HIV prevention medication. Concern over the fate of the task force comes after Kennedy removed all the members of a vaccine advisory board, replacing them with some members who share the secretary's vaccine skepticism.
Telegraph
24-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Preventative mastectomies could cut thousands of breast cancer cases
Preventative mastectomies could cut thousands of breast cancer cases, a study has suggested. Breast removal surgery, also known as a mastectomy, is offered to treat breast cancer in some women and can also be recommended to women deemed to be at high risk of the disease as a preventative measure. A study found that if more women were given preventative mastectomies, then some 6,500 breast cancer cases could be cut each year. Risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) are currently only offered to women with the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 genes, which are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, experts said. But the analysis has suggested that some women with other genes, including ATM, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D, who may also be at risk because of a number of other factors, may benefit from RRM if assessed as having a higher risk of disease. Such other factors can include a family history of breast cancer, the number of children they have had, whether they have breastfed and mammogram density. Women in the UK have an 11 per cent chance of developing breast cancer across their lifetime. Medics can calculate a woman's risk of breast cancer using tools that combine the effects of various risk factors. 'Significant clinical implications' Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) found that if health officials could identify all women aged 30 to 55 with a 35 per cent or higher risk of breast cancer and they all went on to have RRM, then an estimated 6,538 cases could be prevented in the UK each year. This is equivalent to around 11 per cent of the 59,000 women in the UK who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The academics pointed out that women with one of the other genes linked to breast cancer, who may be at high risk of disease, could potentially be found by a mechanism called 'cascade testing', where genetic tests are offered to family members of women found to have the different genes linked to the disease. The economic evaluation study, which was published in the JAMA Oncology journal, said: 'Undergoing RRM appears cost-effective for women at 30-55 years with a lifetime BC-risk 35 per cent (or more). 'The results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to RRM beyond BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 pathogenic variant carriers.' Prof Ranjit Manchanda, one of the paper's authors and a gynaecological oncology professor at Queen Mary University of London, said: 'We, for the first time, define the risk at which we should offer RRM. He added: 'This could potentially prevent [around] 6,500 breast cancer cases annually in UK women. 'We recommend that more research is carried out to evaluate the acceptability, uptake and long-term outcomes of RRM among this group.' Women deemed to be at high risk of breast cancer can also be offered regular screening and medication. Louise Grimsdell, a senior clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, said: 'Choosing to have risk-reducing surgery is a complex and deeply personal decision that comes with emotional and physical implications. 'So it's vital women can consider all their options, including screening and risk-reducing medications, and are supported by their clinician to make an informed decision that's right for them.'
Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Paralign Health Launches to Transform Preventative Care for Medically Underserved Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / July 23, 2025 / This week marks the official launch of Paralign Health, a company on a mission to transform preventative health care in rural and small city America by scaling EMS-led, in-home preventative care. Backed by Healthworx Studio and led by EMT and health care leader Aaron Molloy, Paralign enables health plans to reach and proactively treat high-need, hard-to-reach members with local health care resources that are already on the ground, embedded in fire departments and EMS agencies, also known as community paramedicine. A Vision for a Healthier America More than one in four Americans live in areas where access to primary care is limited or non-existent. These patients often lack sufficient access to primary care, and face worse outcomes and higher mortality rates. Paralign Health is working to change that. 'We founded Paralign with a simple but urgent belief: Every American deserves access to preventative care, no matter where they live,' said Aaron Molloy, founder and CEO of Paralign Health. A Model With Proven Impact Paralign's model - Mobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP) - has been shown to create value for stakeholders across the health care ecosystem: providers, payors, and patients. Previous pilots have led to an 80% reduction in 911 call volume from high-utilizer patients, a 50% reduction in care costs from rural pilot sites, and a 4:1 ROI for health plans. An End-to-End Solution Paralign provides health plans with the network, resources, and technology to scale community paramedicine. The start-up leverages data and analytics to identify high-need patients who will benefit the most from MIH-CP, brings health plans and fire/EMS teams to the same table to plan and deliver care, and supports back-end processes such as contracting and credentialing. 'Paralign brings technology-forward, value-based health care to critically underserved markets,' said Mike Batista, Managing Partner at Healthworx Studio. 'By bringing fire departments and EMS agencies together with health plans, they're tackling some of the most urgent access and cost challenges in healthcare.' Growth on the Horizon Paralign Health recently launched its first pilot program and is rapidly expanding to new regions. The company is seeking partners across the health plan and EMS landscapes who share their vision for equitable, community-rooted care and are interested in launching or scaling an existing MIH-CP program in their region. About Paralign Health Paralign Health is transforming preventative health care in rural and small city America by scaling EMS-led, in-home preventative care, also known as community paramedicine. Founded by EMT and health care leader Aaron Molloy, Paralign enables health plans to reach high-need, hard-to-reach members with trusted local health care resources that are already on the ground, embedded in fire departments and EMS agencies. For more about Paralign, visit or email us at [email protected]. About Healthworx Studio Healthworx Studio builds innovative businesses that improve access, affordability, and quality across the healthcare ecosystem. Healthworx's team of business designers, technologists, and product strategists leverages an iterative approach to reinvent the systems and technologies of healthcare for long-term impact. Contact InformationJennifer Yu Head of Operations SOURCE: Paralign Health press release
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Hong Kong Men Prioritise Tech Over Health, New Study Reveals
AXA Global Healthcare study highlights worrying gaps in how men prioritise their mental and physical health HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - Men in Hong Kong are significantly more likely to prioritise repairing a device or resolving a banking issue than seeking help for potential signs of serious illness, a new study reveals. The research, commissioned by AXA Global Healthcare, highlights a concerning pattern in how men respond to health issues - particularly when it comes to early action and preventative care. While almost all respondents (95%) said they would fix a broken laptop within a week, only a third (33%) would act as quickly if they noticed potential red flags in their own health - such as unexpected changes in weight, bowel habits or a suspicious mole. Even symptoms like unusual fatigue (just 27%) and high levels of stress (24%) failed to prompt swift action in many cases, despite being possible early signs of more serious conditions. In contrast, men in Hong Kong reported far greater urgency when dealing with money, work commitments or vehicles. An overwhelming majority said they'd act urgently if they lost their mobile phone (99%) or bank card (98%), while 96% said they'd prioritise responding to a text or call from their boss. Personal health concerns also took a back seat to pet welfare, with 72% saying they'd respond quickly if their pet seemed unwell. By comparison, only 64% said they'd see a health professional at all if something felt wrong. Instead, 45% said they'd consult the internet first, and around 10% would turn to AI or a health app for answers. James Swatton, Senior Distribution Leader – Asia, at AXA Global Healthcare, said: 'It's clear that for many men, computers, money and even work come before their own health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong.' The survey of 272 Hong Kong men highlights a critical opportunity to shift behaviour towards more proactive health engagement. While only a minority trust digital health for diagnosis, 31% said they'd feel more confident acting on a health concern if a digital tool flagged it – suggesting potential for wearable devices, trackers, or smart alerts to help bridge the gap. To help make healthcare simpler and easier to access, AXA Global Healthcare recently launched a new all-in-one healthcare app that allows members to connect with qualified doctors anytime, by phone or video. Beyond consultations, the app supports users in managing their lifestyle by recording and tracking key physical and mental wellbeing metrics. These wellness trackers deliver insights that enable users to better understand their general health patterns and achieve personalised wellbeing goals. Swatton added: 'Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. By tracking physical and mental metrics, users can gain valuable insights that empower them to manage their lifestyle more proactively and work towards their wellbeing goals. Just as you'd regularly check your car or laptop to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.' 'For men living or working abroad, this is even more important. Navigating foreign healthcare systems can be confusing and stressful, especially when you're dealing with an unfamiliar language, different medical practices, or insurance rules. Having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference.' Note to editors About the research Research was carried out online by Obsurvant. All surveys were conducted in May 2025. The samples comprised of 2,083 UK nationals, 512 UAE nationals and 272 Hong Kong nationals. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2023). Obsurvant is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and complies with the DPA (2018). Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Globe and Mail
16-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
HEALWELL Provides Corporate Update Including Improved Performance in AI Business, Acquisition of Remaining Interest in Pentavere and Deeper Integration within the AI Business Segment
HEALWELL announced improved performance for its core AI business segment with preliminary revenues expected to exceed $5 million for the first six months of 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of over 200% as compared to the same period last year. This strong performance is expected to lead to positive Adjusted EBITDA for the AI business segment during the first six months of the year. HEALWELL acquires remaining 49% of Pentavere Research Group Inc., by exercising a call option to gain full ownership of the business. Pentavere is an award winning and globally renowned AI healthcare company which is responsible for the development of a leading AI-driven patient identification platform, DARWEN. TM With 100% ownership of Pentavere, HEALWELL intends to deepen integration between its AI businesses and accelerate commercialization of AI products across healthcare offerings. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2025) - HEALWELL AI Inc. (TSX: AIDX) (OTCQX: HWAIF) (" HEALWELL" or the " Company"), a healthcare artificial intelligence company focused on preventative care, is pleased to provide a corporate update, including improved performance in its AI business units, the acquisition of the remaining interest in Pentavere Research Group Inc. (" Pentavere") and deeper integration of the entities within its AI business segment. The Company's AI business segment, encompassing Pentavere, Khure Health ("Khure"), and Mutuo Health Solutions ("Mutuo") businesses, is on track to exceed $5 million in revenues for the first six months of 2025, ending June 30, 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of over 200%. This strong performance is expected to lead to positive Adjusted EBITDA for the AI business segment during the same period. Strategic Acquisition and Performance Highlights Full Ownership of Pentavere: HEALWELL has exercised its call option to acquire the remaining 49% of Pentavere, gaining full ownership of the globally recognized AI healthcare company. Pentavere is the developer of DARWEN™, a leading AI-driven patient identification platform crucial for preventative care. Robust Organic Growth: Preliminary results for Q2-2025 show significant organic revenue growth within the AI segment, with both Pentavere and Khure each increasing by more than 100% during the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates the Company's enhanced connectivity with the life sciences marketplace. New Leadership and Forward Strategy James Lee, HEALWELL's new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2025, commented, "I'm incredibly pleased with the strong performance of our core AI division, and I believe its potential is substantial. With Orion Health now part of our family and 100% ownership of Pentavere, we have a unique opportunity to truly differentiate our offering and accelerate the commercialization of our AI products. We are already seeing strong interest in our various AI products, from some of the largest healthcare systems in the world." HEALWELL's strategy is to deeply integrate its AI and data science products into its software platforms. This approach provides a direct path to market, leveraging existing customer bases and contracts to enable healthcare systems worldwide to adopt AI solutions more readily. Hamed Shahbazi, HEALWELL's Chairman, emphasized the significance of Pentavere, "DARWEN™ is a globally unique and recognized AI solution, validated by some of the largest and most complex healthcare systems. Its focus on ethical and compliant training with permissioned data, alongside clinical validation in over 40 publications, positions it to lead the healthcare sector in deploying AI insights for real-world outcomes. We also continue to be greatly impressed with both the capability and thought leadership of the Pentavere team and are excited to watch them continue their efforts to modernize and AI-enable preventative health." Commitment to Preventative Care Mr. Lee further commented on the urgent need for AI in healthcare, "Global healthcare systems face relentless demands amid budgetary and staffing challenges. AI-based tools like Pentavere's DARWEN™ are breaking new frontiers in patient identification and preventative care, holding the potential to save and protect many lives. Our role is to be an enabler of preventative care, and we must act with urgency. We are committed to delivering on our vision, and along with the Company's President, Dr. Alexander Dobranowski, I look forward to sharing key milestones as we achieve them." Transaction Details of Pentavere Call Option Exercise HEALWELL has acquired the remaining 49% of Pentavere which it did not already own by exercising a call option that it had previously negotiated at the time of its original acquisition of a majority interest in Pentavere in 2023 (the " Call Option"). Pursuant to the Call Option, HEALWELL has acquired all of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of Pentavere for an aggregate purchase price of $13,978,244.70, which was satisfied with the issuance of 10,161,562 Subordinate Voting Shares at a deemed price of $1.3756 per share, equal to the 5-Day VWAP on July 11 th, 2025. James Lee Chief Executive Officer HEALWELL AI Inc. Footnotes: "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-IFRS financial measure and may not be comparable to other similar measures disclosed by other companies. For more information on the composition of this measure, its purpose and a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measures, please see " Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the Company's most recent MD&A dated May 12, 2025, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at About HEALWELL AI HEALWELL is a healthcare artificial intelligence company focused on preventative care. Its mission is to improve healthcare and save lives through early identification and detection of disease. Using its own proprietary technology, the Company is developing and commercializing advanced clinical decision support systems that can help healthcare providers detect rare and chronic diseases, improve efficiency of their practice and ultimately help improve patient health outcomes. HEALWELL is executing a strategy centered around developing and acquiring technology and clinical sciences capabilities that complement the Company's road map. HEALWELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "AIDX" and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol "HWAIF". To learn more about HEALWELL, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release, constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements about the Company's strategic plan and expected timelines, milestones and future announcements under the plan; and are based on assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "mission", "intends", "to be", "coming", "opportunities", "look forward to", "expected" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain future conditions, actions, events or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "can" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms . Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as a number of specific factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by HEALWELL as of the date of such statements, are outside of HEALWELL's control and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which could result in the forward-looking statements ultimately being entirely or partially incorrect or untrue. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on various assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following: HEALWELL's ability to integrate its AI technologies into its other service offerings and platforms; HEALWELL's ability to maintain and leverage its relationships with their commercial partners; the continued adoption of the software, tools and solutions created by HEALWELL and its subsidiaries; that HEALWELL will be successful in identifying, executing and integrating new acquisitions, investments and/or partnerships; the stability of general economic and market conditions; sufficiency of working capital and access to financing; HEALWELL's ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; HEALWELL's continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights; the effects of competition in the industry; the requirement for increasingly innovative product solutions and service offerings; technologies working as intended or at all; trends in customer growth and the adoption of new technologies in the industry; and that the risk factors noted below, collectively, do not have a material impact on HEALWELL's business, operations, revenues and/or results. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. Known and unknown risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of HEALWELL, could cause the actual results of HEALWELL to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements, or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in HEALWELL's most recent annual information form dated March 31, 2025, which is available under HEALWELL's SEDAR+ profile at The risk factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect HEALWELL and the reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. HEALWELL disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about the expected Q2 2025 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA generated by the Company's AI business, which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out in the above paragraphs. The actual financial results of the Company's AI business segment may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. HEALWELL and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, HEALWELL undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about HEALWELL's anticipated future business operations and strategic plan for the coming year. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
