Latest news with #preventivehealth
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
A GP doling out football tickets? It may sound daft, but ‘social prescribing' could make a difference in the NHS
A new NHS pilot in Gloucestershire gives 12 GP practices the ability to prescribe Forest Green Rovers football tickets to patients with mild to moderate depression. It's part of a movement towards replacing a purely medical model – think: what antidepressants should we prescribe? – to a social and community model of care. Initiatives like this are easy to mock for being insufficient to address the huge strains faced by the NHS. And, for better or worse, may lead to an increase in people seeking care for depression in the hope of free football tickets. But this sort of thing has been supported by the health secretary, Wes Streeting, as part of his efforts to change the NHS from a sickness treatment system to a preventive health service. The rationale is that GPs are overwhelmed, with patients showing up with issues such as back and neck pain, depression and anxiety, or just overall fatigue, headaches and feeling unwell. The medical approach is to prescribe medications – in fact, the NHS in 2023-24 prescribed more than 89m antidepressant courses (for an estimated 8.7 million identified patients who received at least one drug) – at great cost to both individuals, given the side-effects, and to the budget of the health service. And yes, there is a strong pharmaceutical lobby pushing magic bullets and drugs on to individuals. Can't sleep? Take a melatonin pill. Anxious? Take Xanax. Obese? Try a GLP-1 agonist such as Ozempic or Wegovy. In pain? How about oxycodone (which carries the risk of opioid dependency). Perhaps we have been overmedicalising how we treat common conditions that people go to see a GP about. Which is where the idea of social prescribing comes in – that is, referring patients not for specialised care or medication, but instead linking illness to community resources found in exercise, nature, community, music – or even football matches. There's no need to hammer on about prevention – I think it's universally agreed that prevention is better than cure. But it's easier said than done (as I've written about extensively). To develop the implementation of schemes, pilots have been launched with promising results. NHS England refers to a 2017 University of Westminster evidence summary which estimated 28% fewer GP consultations and 24% fewer A&E visits for people in a social-prescribing scheme. This is not just in the UK, but part of a growing global policy approach whether in Denmark, Canada or Malaysia. For example, the Danish health authority funded a pilot scheme called Kulturvitaminer (culture vitamins), which offered those unemployed or on state sick leave and suffering from stress, anxiety or depression, support over 10 weeks to be part of cultural activities such as a singing group, a guided reading club, or a drama class. Data from the trial found that participants were happier, more motivated and felt better physically. Yet, we can't just talk about joining a new walking group, cooking club or art class without considering the larger stresses of modern life that often cause these chronic health issues. Inequality has increased in the UK – driven by Brexit, the pandemic and record inflation: just look at the simultaneously growing numbers of billionaires and food banks. Housing is increasingly unaffordable, while salaries stagnate. Life is indeed harder, especially for young people unsure about their economic futures and quality of life. In almost every health metric, the poorest communities are also the sickest. As the divide grows between the top 1% and the rest of the population, an increasing number of people are pushed into hardship, including many in traditionally middle-class occupations such as teaching and nursing, whose incomes do not support the same standard of living as that of the previous generation working in the same jobs. Prevention is also about ensuring stable and affordable housing, a living wage and social support. The biggest health challenges aren't medical, but social, economic and political. At least social prescribing is a step forward in recognising that health issues are often the result of underlying isolation, precarity and stress, and in offering a route into individuals feeling more integrated and supported. In giving free football tickets, perhaps it's giving a moment of joy and support to someone – who a GP has identified as feeling isolated, disconnected and depressed – who otherwise might not have been able to afford or even dream of that kind of experience. The football ticket pilot won't fix the NHS or Britain's underlying economic troubles, but it's a step in the right direction of seeing health as something built in communities and not in hospitals or clinics. Prof Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Top medical body concerned over RFK Jr's reported plans to cut preventive health panel
A top US medical body has expressed 'deep concern' to Robert F Kennedy Jr over news reports that the health secretary plans to overhaul a panel that determines which preventive health measures including cancer screenings should be covered by insurance companies. The letter from the the American Medical Association comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Kennedy plans to overhaul the 40-year old US Preventive Services Task Force because he regards them as too 'woke', according to sources familiar with the matter. During his second term, Donald Trump has frequently raged against organizations and government departments that he considers too liberal – often without any evidence. The US president, and his cabinet members such as Kennedy, have also overseen huge cuts and job losses across the US government. The taskforce is made up of a 16-member panel appointed by health and human services secretaries to serve four-year terms. In addition to cancer screenings, the taskforce issues recommendations for a variety of other screenings including osteoporosis, intimate partner violence, HIV prevention, as well as depression in children. Writing in its letter to Kennedy on Sunday, the AMA defended the panel, saying: 'As you know, USPSTF plays a critical, non-partisan role in guiding physicians' efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients by helping to ensure access to evidence-based clinical preventive services.' 'As such, we urge you to retain the previously appointed members of the USPSTF and commit to the long-standing process of regular meetings to ensure their important work can be continued without disruption,' it added. Citing Kennedy's own slogan of 'Making America healthy again,' the AMA went on to say: 'USPSTF members have been selected through an open, public nomination process and are nationally recognized experts in primary care, prevention and evidence-based medicine. They serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time to help reduce disease and improve the health of all Americans – a mission well-aligned with the Make America Healthy Again initiative.' According to the Affordable Care Act, public and private insurance companies must cover any services recommended by the Preventive Services Task Force without cost sharing. In a statement to MedPage Today, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon did not confirm the reports, instead saying: 'No final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS' mandate to Make America Healthy Again.' Reports of Kennedy's alleged decision to overhaul the taskforce come after the American Conservative published an essay earlier this month that described the taskforce as advocating for 'leftwing ideological orthodoxy'. It went on to accuse the panel of being 'packed with Biden administration appointees devoted to the ideological capture of medicine', warning that the 'continued occupation of an important advisory body in HHS – one that has the capacity to force private health insurers to cover services and procedures – by leftwing activists would be a grave oversight by the Trump administration'. In response to the essay, 104 health organizations, including the American Medical Association, issued a separate letter to multiple congressional health committees in which they urged the committees to 'protect the integrity' of the taskforce. '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 organizations said. In June, Kennedy removed all 17 members of a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel of vaccine experts. Writing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, he accused the committee of having too many conflicts of interest. Kennedy's decision to overhaul the immunization panel was met with widespread criticism from health experts, with the American Public Health Association executive director Georges Benjamin calling the ouster 'a coup'. 'It's not how democracies work. It's not good for the health of the nation,' Benjamin said.
Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
From Happiest Nation to Healthiest World: Is Agora the Next Unicorn
Female-led startup introduces Build Your Own Doc, turning preventive wellness into a data-driven gamified experience HELSINKI, FI / ACCESS Newswire / July 23, 2025 / Finnish-Australian health technology company Agora, founded by Elizabeth Angel and Dr Olivia Lesslar, has officially launched Build Your Own Doc, a new platform feature that creates personalized AI-driven wellness solutions. The tool can integrate more than one billion biomarkers and over five thousand years of ancient wisdom. Additionally, it draws on two hundred million research papers to create bespoke programs in response to a user's labs and wearables. Agora aims to make proactive wellness more accessible through evidence-based guidance. Elizabeth Angel, CEO of Agora, leads launch of AI wellness platform Build Your Own Doc. 'Wellness is the next human right,' said Angel, Agora's chief executive. 'Agora is not merely software. It is a cultural movement designed to make thriving normal.' With global wellness spending projected to rise from 6.3 trillion to more than 9 trillion US dollars by 2028, the company sees growing demand for preventive tools. Research suggests stress may contribute to 90 percent of illness. Agora addresses this challenge by offering proactive insights for leading causes of chronic disease including heart conditions, cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer's. Agora's leadership reflects a wide range of experience. Angel has worked in humanitarian aid, defense innovation, and applied science. Dr Lesslar, trained in psychoneuroimmunology, brings clinical depth. The idea for the platform was first developed in a Finnish forest, where the team envisioned a technology that blends nature, tradition, and modern science to support healthier habits. The company emphasizes data privacy and user empowerment. Agora's zero-trust architecture ensures personal health data remains under individual control. Users can opt to license anonymized data for research, receive incentives for meeting wellness milestones, or access insurer discounts. 'Health data is the battleground of trust,' Angel said. 'Agora ensures users remain the primary beneficiaries of their own information.' Agora logo The platform's gamified health adventures include sleep tracking, nutrition challenges, and reflective activities. Pilot users reported a 42 percent increase in healthy behavior adherence compared to traditional apps. Other features include community groups and fun support groups focused on healthspan vs lifespan and emotional well-being. Unlike single-focus platforms, Agora combines biometric feedback from both the body and brain, lab results, the user's own assessments and contextual inputs to generate cohesive recommendations through an interactive experience. The goal is to unify fragmented wellness tools into a single, user-friendly system. Since March 2023, Agora has launched across six continents, working with veterans, nonprofits, and educational groups. The platform's free Library tier includes neuroscience-informed music by Ravyn Lyte, an AI-generated artist designed to support calm and focus. Agora's enterprise pilots are scheduled to begin in Q3 with several Fortune 500 companies, targeting workplace burnout and stress. Additional testing with military teams includes gamified adventures for consolidating resilience. Research is also underway to evaluate its benefits for frontline workers and trauma response. Stress-related productivity losses cost the global economy nearly one trillion US dollars each year. Companies face an additional 18 percent payroll impact due to employee disengagement. Agora's approach offers a scalable method to improve well-being and quality of life. Analysts highlight the platform's low acquisition cost and strong alignment with demand for alternative wellness solutions. Angel emphasized mission over market value. 'The goal is to help billions thrive. Subscription revenue from enterprises helps us offer access to the people who need it most.' Agora continues to expand its partnerships across public and private sectors. If adoption accelerates, Finland may soon be known not only as the world's happiest nation but also as a leader in preventive health innovation. About Agora Agora is a global innovation company that accelerates groundbreaking solutions by cross-pollinating emerging technologies across traditionally siloed industries, from health to defense to music and everything in between. Fueling a worldwide movement that spans six continents, Agora creatively bridges the gap between innovation and the critical resources needed, such as funding and distribution channels, all with the aim of uplifting humanity. Media Contact Amy Wellington Agora [email protected] Explore Agora Registration is now open at SOURCE: Agora press release
New York Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Kennedy Cancels Meeting of Key Preventive Health Panel
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary, abruptly canceled a meeting this week of a federal task force that helps determine which preventive health measures must be covered fully by insurance companies, raising concerns about the future of the nonpartisan panel. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force had been scheduled to meet Thursday, but its members were informed by email Monday, without explanation, that the meeting would be postponed, according to several participants. 'Moving forward, HHS looks forward to engaging with the task force to promote the health and well-being of the American people,' the notice said. The agency did not respond to a request for comment. Created in 1984, the 16-member panel of doctors and other health experts plays a pivotal role in determining whether tens of millions of Americans are eligible for lung cancer screenings, stroke reduction medication and scores of other drugs and preventative services. Members of the all-volunteer panel are chosen by the health secretary. They meet three times a year in person and also take part remotely in weekly meetings. The decision to cancel the July meeting follows a Supreme Court ruling last month that upheld the work of the task force — but also affirmed Mr. Kennedy's authority to disregard its recommendations or to remove members before their terms have expired. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CNN
09-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
HHS abruptly calls off meeting of expert panel on preventive care, raising questions about its future
The US Department of Health and Human Services called off an upcoming meeting of expert advisers on preventive health care, raising questions about the future of the longtime, nonpolitical advisory group. An HHS spokesperson confirmed to CNN that the US Preventive Services Task Force — which has set recommendations for cancer screenings, STI testing and other preventive care — will not meet on Thursday as previously scheduled. A notice was sent Monday afternoon saying that the office of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is postponing the July meeting, according to a person familiar with the details who declined to be named because they weren't authorized to discuss the meeting publicly. 'Moving forward, HHS looks forward to engaging with the task force to promote the health and well-being of the American people,' the notice continued. But the cancellation also arrives as Kennedy pushes to reshape the health agencies and expunge them of what he has called longtime health-care industry influence on policies. Kennedy last month dismissed a 17-member US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory committee and two days later named eight new picks to guide the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Several of the new members have questioned vaccine safety; two have testified in court against vaccine manufacturers. 'There is extraordinary concern,' among those connected to the task force, 'that it's about to be dismissed, like ACIP was,' the person familiar with the meeting said. Kennedy's control over the task force was recently solidified by the US Supreme Court. Last month, in a case challenging a popular provision of the Affordable Care Act, the justices upheld the constitutionality of the task force that recommends preventive health care services that insurers must cover at no-cost. Both the Biden and Trump administrations argued that the task force was properly set up — and therefore, its recommendations should be upheld — because the Health and Human Services secretary was able to name and fire its members. The 16-member task force was set up in 1984 and provides recommendations about preventive services, such as screenings for cancer and various disorders and counseling, that help make Americans aware of illnesses and conditions earlier, when they can be easier and less expensive to treat. The Affordable Care Act mandates that those services are provided without charge to patients. While consumer advocates cheered the Supreme Court ruling, they cautioned that it gives Kennedy more power over preventive care recommendations. 'The big takeaway here is that the Task Force's recommendations are binding, just as the ACA's drafters intended,' Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan, posted on X last month. 'BUT the scheme is constitutional only because Sec Kennedy can exercise near-complete control over Task Force recommendations. A mixed bag!' Thursday's meeting agenda was to include a discussion of recommendations around 'healthy diet, physical activity, and/or weight loss to prevent cardiovascular disease in adults,' focused on 'behavioral counseling interventions,' the person familiar with the meeting said. The panel typically meets in person three times a year, and Thursday's meeting was to be in person. In addition, they typically meet virtually every week. This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
