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Social network interventions can lead to potential health benefits

A research team from Queen’s, with support from the Public Health Agency (PHA), has found social network interventions, such as Facebook posts and sponsored ads, educating popular teenagers to spread health messages to peer groups can have a positive effect on public health behaviours and outcomes.

Top tips for a healthy packed school lunch

It’s almost back to school time, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) has some top tips for packing a healthy and nutritious lunchbox for the kids.

“Recent surveys looking at children’s lunchboxes found that they were too high in fat, especially saturated fat, salt and sugar,”said Judith Hanvey, Regional Food in Schools Coordinator, appointed jointly by the PHA and the Department of Education.

“Just under half of lunchboxes contained no fruit. It is important to include a balanced variety of foods in a packed lunch, so that your child can get all the nutrients they need.Avoid fizzy drinks and snacks high in added fat, salt and sugars, and remember that kids only need child-sized portions of food.”

The PHA’s leaflet ‘Are you packing a healthy lunch’ has lots of advice and lunchbox ideas, and it is available online at www.pha.site/healthylunchbox

Exam results time – talk about alcohol and drugs

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to young people who are receiving exam results about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

The call comes as thousands of teenagers are set to receive their A-level or GCSE results, which in some cases can lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so it is important that everyone is aware of the risks, even those who haven’t chosen to drink alcohol or take drugs previously.

Ulster Rugby makes new signing…to support breastfeeding mums

The home of Ulster Rugby, the Kingspan Stadium, has signed up to the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme, highlighting their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mums.

The announcement comes during the celebrations for World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August).

Breastfeeding Welcome Here helps provide supportive environments and shows public support for breastfeeding mums.

New STI stats reveal a rise in several types of infection

The latest sexual health figures released today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) show an increase in the number of new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) diagnoses made in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics in Northern Ireland. In particular, there has been an increase in diagnoses of gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis while new diagnoses of genital warts (first episode) decreased.

The switchboard number for the PHA’s Headquarters at Linenhall Street, Belfast has changed to 0300 555 0114. Click here for more information.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. We are the major regional organisation for health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement. Our role also commits us to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body with a strong regional and local presence.

Directorates

In fulfilling our mandate to protect public health, improve public health and social wellbeing, and reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing, the PHA works within an operational framework of three areas: Public Health, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Operations. Our corporate and business plans reflect these arrangements and our purpose as an organisation.

Latest

Notifications of Infectious Diseases 2019
Thursday, 12 September 2019 - Publication
Notification of Infectious Diseases (NOIDS) (Current weekly total of notifications of infectious diseases in the past four weeks along with the cumulative total for the current year compared with corresponding periods).
HSC Hospital Passport and Guidance notes
Thursday, 12 September 2019 - Publication
This HSC Hospital Passport has been developed by the PHA and the Regional General Hospital Forum for Learning Disability for people with a learning disability to complete (with or without help) and present to staff every time they have co
Ageing well by being active every day
Wednesday, 11 September 2019 - Publication
This leaflet provides guidance to older adults on the amount of physical activity they should be aiming for and the health benefits associated with staying active.
Social network interventions can lead to potential health benefits
Wednesday, 04 September 2019 - News
A research team from Queen’s, with support from the Public Health Agency (PHA), has found social network interventions, such as Facebook posts and sponsored ads, educating popular teenagers to spread health messages to peer groups can have a posit