Families who have been affected by suicide have an important role to play in the vital work that is ongoing to help prevent suicide and promote mental health and wellbeing. That is according to the Public Health Agency (PHA), which is marking International Survivors of Suicide Day (23 November).

As we move closer to the height of winter, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people who are eligible for the flu vaccine but haven’t yet had it, to get it as soon as possible.

In 2013, 34,522 people in Northern Ireland were registered as having the life-threatening lung disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is caused primarily by smoking.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem and is already becoming a major threat to the management of infections. On European Antibiotic Awareness Day the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) are taking this opportunity to highlight the problem of antimicrobial resistance and to encourage patients and those working in health and social care to play their part in reducing the risk of resistance.

Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland. Around 2,300 people die prematurely each year from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today issuing advice aimed at preventing stimulant-related death and illness. The PHA has produced guidance aimed at anyone who comes into contact with stimulant drug users through work in the community and voluntary sector or in healthcare settings. Stimulants include ecstasy, cocaine, speed, mephedrone and para-Methoxyamphetamine (PMA). Many of what are commonly known as ‘legal highs’ are stimulants and are usually in powder, capsule or pill form.

The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day on 14 November is ‘ Healthy Living and Diabetes’. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone across Northern Ireland to be aware of how type 2 diabetes can be prevented, the harm it can cause to your health and what the signs and symptoms are to ensure early diagnosis. In Northern Ireland diabetes affects over 79,000 adults, however, many cases of diabetes are preventable and are the result of obesity.