To mark World Cancer Day 2015 on Wednesday 4 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the links between smoking and cancer and is urging all smokers to make the decision to give up their habit and start to enjoy the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle. In line with the theme ‘Not beyond us’, smokers are being reminded that they can successfully quit smoking and join thousands of people who decide to stop each year by using the PHA’s Stop Smoking Services, or by doing so on their own.

Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in Northern Ireland so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to ‘act FAST’ if they see someone having a stroke. Dr Brid Farrell, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Stroke is an attack on the brain. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. “If someone has a stroke, knowing the signs and symptoms and acting FAST can improve the chances of survival and reduce the level of disability that results from a stroke.”

With the prevalence of the potentially life-threatening meningococcal infection at its highest during the winter, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling for people to make themselves aware of the all signs and symptoms of the condition, as a rash is not the only sign.

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from 25-31 January and the Public Health Agency (PHA) has produced a new video that shows women what to expect when they attend for a smear test.

School pupils in the southern area are getting help from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) to help them improve their GCSE grades. Thanks to a partnership with the SELB and local councils, the PHA has funded English and Mathematics programmes. Over 85% of pupils in the participating schools who were expected to achieve Grade D and availed of the additional support attained grades A*-C in English or Mathematics.

A conference will take place tomorrow (Thursday 22 January) to review how care for mothers and babies has improved in the UK, and what the health service can do to further reduce the number of deaths of mothers during pregnancy and those child deaths associated with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.