Long summer days are stretching ahead and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging families to get active together, combining fun and physical activity. Being active is great for the body and mind, helps to control weight, protects against heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes, and promotes good mental health and wellbeing. Colette Brolly, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA said: “With the kids off school and the good weather, this is a great opportunity for children, parents and grandparents to get active together.

During adverse weather many people can experience a range of situations associated with the extreme weather such as cold and freezing temperatures, no electricity or mains water and flooding. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has compiled public health information to assist the public in these situations. Click here for public health information.

An anti-cancer drug has been proven to be equally as effective in treating the most common cause of blindness in older adults as a more expensive drug specifically formulated for this purpose. The results of a two-year trial, led by Queen’s scientist Professor Usha Chakravarthy, and published in The Lancet today (Friday 19 July), show that two drug treatments Lucentis and Avastin are equally effective in treating neovascular or wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).

With the holiday season in full swing, and many young adults across Northern Ireland choosing to celebrate the good weather, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Council for the Homeless have come together to issue harm reduction advice for drug users.

With Northern Ireland experiencing the current high temperatures, the Public Health Agency would remind the public and healthcare professionals that the heat can be harmful to your health. The following links provide advice on looking after yourself and others during a heat wave.

As Northern Ireland enjoys soaring temperatures, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding sun-seekers – take as much care in the sun at home as you would abroad! Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, PHA, said: “Being active outside during the summer is good for your health, but everyone needs to be aware that the sun can cause permanent damage to your skin. One episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, doubles the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

There are currently around 200 people in Northern Ireland on the waiting list for a transplant and 16 people in Northern Ireland died due to the shortage of organs in the last year*. NHS Blood and Transplant is highlighting the figures to encourage people to pass on their donation wishes to their loved ones during National Transplant Week 2013 (8th-14th July).

Now that schools are finished for the summer and parents are thinking of activities to keep their children entertained, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding families about the importance of washing hands after all outdoor activities, particularly after visiting the farm or farmyard settings. All animals naturally carry a range of organisms, some of which can be transmitted to people. Some organisms which may be contracted on farms present a serious threat and can potentially cause severe infection, particularly in young children.

As part of Belfast PRIDE 2013 the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new e-learning programme to help raise awareness and understanding of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) issues in the workplace.