The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all people aged 70, 78 and 79 years old that they are still able to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccine will help protect them against the common and painful skin disease and its complications.

The Public Health Agency has issued the following advice to the public in relation to keeping healthy when mains water is unavailable. How do I keep my hands clean without mains water?It is still very important to ensure that your hands are clean before cooking food and eating as many gastrointestinal illnesses are transmitted through dirty hands. The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable. For this reason people should:

With further wintery weather forecasts the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising everyone to look after themselves and their neighbours during the cold snap. Vulnerable and elderly people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated during the cold weather. The PHA is encouraging everyone to look out for those who may be more vulnerable during severe weather and check that they are ok. T he following advice can help you or a neighbour keep warm at home:

Thirty Northern Ireland companies have signed up for Business in the Community and Public Health Agency's £ for lb 12 week challenge, committing to help their employees to lose weight. Last year, over 800 people lost 1,390 inches from their waistlines. Comparatively, this was the same height of the Albert Clock. This year, this friendly challenge, which is being supported by the Public Health Agency and Westfield Health, will involve at least 1,000 employees from 30 companies, with employers and employees matching every pound lost with a charitable donation.

As we progress through January, many people who quit smoking as a New Year’s Resolution may be finding it tough to stay off tobacco, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to make use of the support that is available to help make their decision permanent. Gerry Bleakney said: “We know that stopping smoking can be very difficult, but help is at hand.

If watching your waistline has been part of your New Year’s resolution then the Public Health Agency (PHA) may be able to help with some healthy tasty recipes.

The first Northern Ireland PHA Health Protection Symposium is scheduled for Thursday 26 February 2015 in the Lagan Valley Island Centre, Lisburn. The HP Symposium will include an overview of the work of the Public Health Agency, health protection division over the last five years. There will also be a series of presentations, parallel sessions and poster competition throughout the day.