patients

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly, branding Russian President Vladimir Putin 'patient zero' of global instability over the war in Ukraine. He urged the world not to be deceived by Kremlin peace signals, warned that Russia's war threatens international order, and pushed allies to maintain pressure, while also raising concerns ahead of possible talks involving US President Donald Trump.

A new Ebola emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is prompting calls from the United Nations and humanitarian organisations for urgent access to affected communities. Aid agencies say rapid, unimpeded access is essential to contain the outbreak, treat patients and deliver supplies, amid concerns that access restrictions could allow the virus to spread further.

Senator Elizabeth Warren has introduced legislation that would prohibit private equity firms from owning medical practices. The bill targets concerns that investor ownership drives up healthcare costs, cuts staffing, and prioritizes profits over patient care. Supporters see it as a push to keep medicine in the hands of clinicians, while critics are expected to argue it limits capital investment in healthcare practices.

Insurers including UnitedHealth, Medicare Advantage plans, Cigna and Humana are increasingly using artificial intelligence algorithms to approve or deny coverage for medical care, according to a Vox report. Critics warn the tools can wrongly override doctors' judgments and delay or deny needed treatment, while the industry argues AI speeds up claims processing. Patients and physicians are pushing back as regulators scrutinize how these systems make coverage decisions.

American doctors are working inside Gaza, providing medical care amid the territory's ongoing humanitarian and health crisis. Reports highlight the role of US medical volunteers treating wounded patients in hospitals that are short on supplies and staff. The presence of American physicians has drawn attention to the scale of medical need in the enclave and the conditions under which local and foreign health workers operate.

A new study suggests that COVID-19 may worsen pre-existing health problems over the long term, adding to concerns about the lasting effects of infection. The finding points to a broader long-term health burden beyond long COVID itself, with implications for patients managing chronic conditions and for health systems assessing ongoing care needs.

Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that assisted dying was not "normal", speaking during his landmark visit to France. His comments come as the French parliament has legalised the practice for certain patients, placing the pontiff in direct tension with French law. The remarks drew attention as the visit highlighted the clash between Catholic teaching and France's secular legislation on end-of-life care.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy were originally developed and described as obesity treatments for patients with medical need, but they are increasingly marketed and used as lifestyle drugs for customers seeking cosmetic or wellness benefits. Commentators note this reframing raises questions about access for people with genuine medical need, pricing, and how the pharmaceutical industry positions these medicines.

A blood pressure medication has been recalled across the United States, with the FDA classifying the action as a Class II risk level, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. News outlets including WPRI and The Hill reported the nationwide recall, prompting patients taking blood pressure drugs to check whether their prescription is affected.

A new study finds that people who stop taking GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may face an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The findings suggest the cardiovascular benefits of these medications depend on continued use, raising questions about how patients should manage long-term treatment.

Members of Congress are pressing Oracle for answers about a sharp cost increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic health records modernization, now valued at roughly $17 billion. Lawmakers want details on why the price has grown so substantially and how the troubled program is being managed. The program has faced repeated delays, cost overruns and patient safety concerns since its rollout, drawing ongoing scrutiny from oversight committees.

New research into diabetes suggests that keeping blood sugar levels extremely stable may come at a cost, challenging the assumption that tighter control is always better for patients. The findings are drawing attention among clinicians and people managing diabetes, who are weighing what the results could mean for treatment targets and everyday glucose management advice.

A new study reported by ScienceDaily suggests glucosamine, a widely used joint supplement taken by millions for arthritis and cartilage pain, may be associated with faster progression of Alzheimer's disease. The findings challenge the supplement's generally assumed safety benefits and are prompting discussion among researchers, patients and caregivers about whether people with cognitive decline should reconsider taking it.

New research suggests donor hearts may take on the biological age of their recipients after transplantation, rather than retaining the age of the original donor. Reported by Scientific American, the finding could reshape how doctors think about organ aging, rejection risk and long-term outcomes for transplant patients.

Doctors are warning that people taking GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic may face heightened health risks during the current heat wave. Concerns center on dehydration, as the medications can suppress thirst and appetite, potentially leaving users vulnerable to heat exhaustion and related complications. Patients are being advised to drink water regularly and take precautions in high temperatures as extreme heat persists across many regions.

Taylor Swift has released a music video for 'Patient Zero' that ends with a horror movie-style twist, according to TODAY.com. The ending has prompted discussion among fans about its meaning and how it ties into the song. Details of the twist and the video's storyline have not been widely reported beyond the initial coverage.