‘Do something new’ and open up about memory problems is the message from health and social care professionals during Dementia Awareness Week 2015 (17-24 May). The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are working jointly with the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia NI and local Health and Social Care Trusts to promote a culture which ensures people with dementia are supported to live with dignity and without stigma. To enable this, everyone needs to talk openly with those closest to them about dementia; you could even pledge to become a ‘Dementia Friend’.

This week is Walk to School Week and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents in Northern Ireland to do the school run on foot and start to feel the benefits for both them and their children. Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on physical activity, said: “The great thing about walking is that it is simple and easy to do. It’s something that can be built in to your everyday routine and there’s no better way to get started than walking to school with your kids.

During Dying Matters Awareness Week (18-24 May 2015) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly with those closest to them about dying, death and bereavement.

Each year, millions of infections around the world could be prevented through ensuring good hand hygiene. With farmers particularly exposed to potentially harmful organisms through their contact with animals and soil, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using technology at this year’s Balmoral Show to highlight the need for everyone to ‘clean your hands’.

Primary school pupils in Lisburn have graduated with flying colours from Early Intervention Lisburn’s ‘Incredible Years Programme’. The initiative, run by the Public Health Agency (PHA), builds confidence and helps parents understand and manage their child’s behaviour better and also to help teach children how to understand their emotions, with the aim of benefitting their long-term health and wellbeing.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland, but early detection can improve the outcome for someone with the condition. With increasing numbers of people developing lung cancer, today the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching the next phase of its ‘Be Cancer Aware’ campaign, which will focus specifically on this type of cancer. This phase of the campaign aims to raise awareness of signs and symptoms of lung cancer and encourage people to speak to their GP if they experience any of them.

To highlight Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May), the Public Health Agency (PHA) would like to remind people to look after their mental health and give it the same level of attention as their physical health. The PHA is urging people to look at ways of improving their mental health and wellbeing. One way of doing this is by adopting the Five Ways to Wellbeing which were developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF).

More than 80% of us travel to work by car. This week (11-17 May) is Walk to Work Week so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to leave the car at home to boost your health. Being more physically active and reaching the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended target of a minimum 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week can help you manage your weight, reduce your risk of developing a range of chronic conditions including some cancers, Type 2 diabetes, as well as reduce anxiety and stress.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust is encouraging people to take up opportunities for training in emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention that are currently available in the Western Trust area. Brendan Bonner, PHA Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement in the Western area, said: