To mark World Hepatitis Day today, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people who think they may be at risk from hepatitis B or C infection to get tested.

Viral hepatitis kills 1.5 million people worldwide each year. That’s as many people as HIV/ AIDS. Although hepatitis is not common in Northern Ireland, it is very common in other parts of the world, with an estimated 400 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and C worldwide.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) says that the only thing that should be sizzling this summer is the food on your barbecue as it urges people to enjoy the great weather safely.

The unpredictability of our summers can lead to many people thinking that they will not get sunburn in such a changeable climate. However, the majority of the population have fair skin, which provides little protection against the sun, so even a small amount of exposure can do damage.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) will be celebrating diversity and providing information on health issues that impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people and their families at this year’s Belfast Pride Festival.

Belfast Pride Festival offers us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate diversity and help raise awareness of the particular health issues faced by the LGB&T community.

Smoking during pregnancy is the largest preventable cause of ill-health and death in young babies and infants.

Statistics from the 2010 Infant Feeding Survey show that in Northern Ireland 28% of mothers smoked in the 12 months before pregnancy. It is encouraging that of those mothers who smoked before or during pregnancy, approximately half gave up at some point before the birth of their baby. Sadly, 15% didn’t stop and continued to smoke during pregnancy [see reference].

Now that schools are finished for the summer and parents are thinking of activities to keep their children entertained, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding families about the importance of washing hands after visiting the farm.

All animals naturally carry a range of organisms, some of which can be transmitted to people. Some organisms which may be contracted on farms present a serious hazard and can potentially cause severe infection, particularly in young children.

To reduce the risk of illness, both adults and children should wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water after they have handled animals or touched surfaces at the farm and always before eating or drinking.