With the cold weather set to continue for some time and creating some of the most treacherous conditions to be seen in Northern Ireland for several years, the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group (SAAPLG) is warning everyone, but particularly older people, to take extra care to prevent slips and falls. Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health Improvement with the Public Health Agency said: “Falls are a significant risk for all age groups but especially for our older population.

January is the month in the health calendar when the spotlight focuses on cervical cancer prevention. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity to encourage women to attend when called for their cervical screening appointment and not to put it off. Each year around 90 women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20 women die from the disease. The PHA coordinates the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland and is taking this opportunity to emphasise the importance of going for a smear test when invited.

What is TB (tuberculosis)? TB is a serious but curable infectious disease. It usually affects the lungs but it can affect other parts of the body. What are the symptoms? Any of the following symptoms may occur: • Cough • Phlegm • High temperature • Sweating at night • Weight loss • Fatigue / general tiredness • Swollen glands If you are concerned that you might have TB, or develop any of these symptoms, please visit your family doctor for advice. How do you catch TB? It is usually spread through the air from someone with the infectious type of TB.

Home-Start volunteers from across the Newry area have attended a training session highlighting the importance of promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for the under 5s. Home-Start offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in the local community. The purpose of the training was to raise awareness of the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ initiative developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) and to develop the volunteers’ knowledge and practical skills to encourage greater physical activity among young children.

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 Banbridge. The new 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) supports the research conducted by Harvard University which highlights the link between eating processed meat, such as sausages, bacon and ham, and an increased risk of heart disease. Nutrition is central to our health. Good nutrition in the early years can help protect against chronic diseases in later life. Jennifer McBratney, Registered Dietitian with the PHA, said: "Heart disease and cancer are Northern Ireland’s biggest killers and we know that poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to both of these.

Residents living within the Creggan area of Newry and Mourne have been participating in healthy lifestyle activities encouraging physical activity and healthy eating. The healthy lifestyle programme was funded by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership’s (SIHP) Small Grants Programme. (A partnership supported by the Public Health Agency).

The dangers associated with the misuse of solvents have recently been highlighted in the Northern Ireland news. ‘Talking about solvents’ is a leaflet that provides advice to parents on how to approach teenagers and children about the misuse of solvents. This leaflet explains what solvents are, why parents should talk to their children about solvent misuse, the risks involved, signs of solvent misuse and what parents can do regarding this issue. Click here to download ‘Talking about solvents’.

The Public Health Agency hopes that all supporters from Northern Ireland travelling to the World Cup will have a safe and enjoyable experience. The Agency reminds travellers of the importance of getting good travel advice before travelling. It is particularly important that people going to the World Cup discuss their particular travel health requirements with their GP or travel clinic to ensure they are adequately protected, including being up to date with routine vaccinations, as well as any additional ones that may be appropriate.