Stoptober is back and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting the campaign by urging all smokers to take part in the 28 day stop smoking challenge during October, as smokers who give up their habit for four weeks are five times more likely to stop for good. Gerry Bleakney, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health, so Stoptober is the perfect opportunity to give up your habit and enjoy both the health and financial benefits that stopping will bring.

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 of failure to get their eyes checked. During National Eye Health Week (22–28 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of eye health and the need for everyone to have their eyes tested every two years.

Gardening is being used as a tool to promote mental and emotional wellbeing through a new pilot project funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA). The project ‘Wellbeing with nature’ will run over two years and involve around 200 people from across Belfast. Participants will take part in an eight week course which uses gardening as a form of therapy for people with mental health issues including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Northern Ireland Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme has published its first annual report highlighting the programme success, with 81% of the men invited attending for a scan. The report has been produced by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust on the programme, which is available across Northern Ireland.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to switch off the telly, pull on your walking shoes and take the first steps to better health, after figures revealed that almost half of adults in Northern Ireland are sitting in front of the TV for more than two hours per day. Reduced activity, combined with a poor diet, can lead to becoming overweight or obese.

As parents take to the shops thinking about what to pack in their children’s lunchboxes for the new school term, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging them to choose healthier options for a better break time.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching the second year of the shingles vaccination programme, available from 1 October 2014, for all people aged 70 and a catch-up programme for people aged 78 and 79 years old to help protect against the common and painful skin disease and its complications.

Belfast City Council has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme, a Northern Ireland-wide programme to increase the number of premises which welcome breastfeeding mums. Belfast City Hall, along with 35 other council-run buildings, including community and leisure centres, have just signed up to the initiative, bringing the total number of popular local attractions, businesses and council facilities across Northern Ireland to 389.

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening disease and during Meningitis Awareness Week (15-21 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding students to be aware of the signs and symptoms.Teenagers and young adults (14–24 years old) are more at risk, especially when away from home with no parents around to look after them.