To mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (21-27 June 2010), ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) have hosted an event to celebrate community-based breastfeeding support services in the Southern area.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) supports the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) calling for banning of trans-fats in manufactured products. Research shows that artificially hydrogenated fats used in baked food are high in trans-fats and these are known to increase health risks such as cardiovascular disease. The PHA would encourage everyone to eat a healthy balanced diet and limit their intake of these foods which include for example, biscuits and cakes. For further information on eating well visit www.enjoyhealthyeating.info

A new report, launched today (during Men’s Health Week), entitled: “Men’s Health Report – Southern Area Perspective’ has highlighted that men living in the Southern area of Northern Ireland have a shorter life expectancy than those living in the rest of Northern Ireland. Life expectancy in males in Northern Ireland in 2005-2006 was 76.2 years, however, for some across the Southern area (Armagh, Dungannon, Newry and Mourne) life expectancy was less than 70 years.

A new ‘one stop shop’ drop-in service, providing information, support and education to those young people and their families affected or concerned by alcohol and drug misuse has opened its doors in Dromore. The service entitled ‘Info-station’ has been funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and is managed by REACT (Reaching Everyone and Creating Trust). Four such pilot centres have been set up across Northern Ireland.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today contacting around 270 people who have been in contact with a healthcare worker in the southern area recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).Most of those contacted will receive information and approximately 40 will be offered TB screening in line with standard practice.