October is celebrated as International Walk to School Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to do the school run on foot and start to feel the benefits for both them and their children. Statistics show almost three-fifths (59%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while only 31% walk, 10% travel by bus and 1% cycle. Among post-primary pupils, almost half (46%) travel to or from school by bus, 30% are driven by car and 22% of pupils walk to/from school, while 2% take the train.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Northern Ireland, but it is also one of the most treatable, particularly when detected early. However, many women don’t know what to look out for, so a major new Public Health Agency (PHA) campaign is aiming to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage anyone who discovers any of them to contact their GP.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all people aged 70 and 78 years old that they are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccine will help protect them against this common and painful skin disease and its associated complications.

A nationwide online and telephone service that helps people to take part in dementia research studies launches in Northern Ireland today (23/09/15); during World Alzheimer’s Month. Join Dementia Research promises to accelerate the pace of dementia research in Northern Ireland by allowing people with and without dementia to register their interest in studies, and helping researchers find the right participants at the right time.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on businesses across Northern Ireland to take part in the ‘Workplace 28 day stop smoking challenge’ to help employees who smoke to give up their habit. Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland. Each year around 2,300 people die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers.

With thousands of students across Northern Ireland getting ready to begin a new term at college or university this freshers’ week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging them to look after their mental health.

Research from the College of Optometrists shows that 84% of adults value their sight more than any other sense, yet many people are living with poor vision and putting their sight at risk because they don’t get their eyes checked. During National Eye Health Week (21–27 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of good eye health and the need for everyone to have their eyes tested every two years.

A new handbook which gives advice on speaking about the issues of mental health and suicide during a religious service is being sent to clergy throughout Northern Ireland. The new booklet has been developed by partnership group ‘Flourish!’. The group includes Lighthouse Ireland, clergy from across the Christian churches in Northern Ireland, the Churches Community Work Alliance NI and the Public Health Agency (PHA).