Type 2 diabetes – know the signs and reduce the risk

With over 75,000 adults in Northern Ireland affected by diabetes, during Diabetes Week (8 to 14 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone across Northern Ireland to be aware of how type 2 diabetes can be prevented, the dangers it can cause to your health and what the signs and symptoms of diabetes are to help ensure early diagnosis. Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. This is because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (or in some cases none at all), to help glucose enter the body’s cells.

Advice if flooding occurs

In light of the recent heavy downpours and with another spell of unsettled weather expected the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people of the potential public health risks associated with flooding. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning as heavy rain and gales are expected as a result of Storm Frank.

Cervical screening – it could save your life

With the majority of cases of cervical cancer occurring in women who have either never had a screening test, or who have not had a screening test in the last three to five years, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women during Cervical Screening Awareness Week (7–13 June) to take up the invitation to have a regular screening test for cervical cancer – it could literally save your life.

World No Tobacco Day – tackling tobacco with tax

Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland, with approximately 2,300 people dying prematurely each year from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers. Every year on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. For WNTD 2014, WHO is calling on countries to raise taxes on tobacco.

Enjoy walking and improve your health

It’s the last week of National Walking Month, but the Public Health Agency (PHA) says there’s still time to put on your walking shoes and take a stroll as part of your everyday life. Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise and the easiest to build in to your daily routine. It also has many health benefits, as walking at a brisk pace can make you feel good, reduces anxiety, help you sleep better, reduces blood pressure and can help you manage your weight.

Improving the standard of mental health services in Northern Ireland

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to drive forward with its commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing and reducing levels of suicide in Northern Ireland with the publication of ‘Quality Standards for Services Promoting Mental and Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention’. The PHA defines standards as an essential level of quality to ensure safe and effective practice against which performance can be measured. Standards are designed to encourage and support improved services which will lead to better outcomes for service users.

Your life and your choices: plan ahead booklet

This booklet explains how you can plan ahead for your future care in Northern Ireland. It discusses creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, writing down how you'd like to be cared for using a Preferred Priorities for Care document and writing Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment. It also has information about making a will, organ and tissue donation, and funeral planning.

Please note: This booklet only covers Northern Ireland. If you live in England, Scotland and Wales you should ask a healthcare or legal professional to give you information that's relevant to that country.

Dementia Awareness Week 2014: Health and social care professionals encourage people to open up about memory problems

“Don’t bottle it up” is the message from health and social care professionals this week during Dementia Awareness week 2014. The Public Health Agency and Health and Social Care Board are working jointly with the Alzheimer’s Society, the Dementia Services Development Centre and local Health and Social Care Trusts to implement Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland. This regional strategy aims to promote a culture which ensures people with dementia are supported to live with dignity and without stigma.

Breastfeeding support for mums

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is lending a helping hand to new mums through a Breastfeeding Peer Support programme which has welcomed 10 new volunteer members. The volunteers are women who have breastfed their own children and who, with specialised training, provide mother-to-mother support to other women who breastfeed. In partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT), a special event was hosted to celebrate the recent success of the breastfeeding peer support volunteers.
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