The Public Health Agency (PHA) today called for people to be aware of an increase in levels of the Norovirus, commonly known as stomach flu. The PHA recommends simple, practical steps to minimise the risk of illness to others, especially older people and those with underlying conditions who may be more vulnerable. The PHA made this call in light of the ongoing issue of the Norovirus in hospitals and wants to stress the need for patients and visitors to hospitals to make hand hygiene a top priority.

Plans are ongoing to improve autism services for children and adults in Northern Ireland. The Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network was set up by the Health and Social Care Board to implement the Autism Action Plan published by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey last autumn and already much progress has been made. To find out what the Network is all about and what improvements to autism services are planned, please go to the Health and Social Care Board website at www.hscboard.hscni.net/asdnetwork.html

Public Health Agency – Press Release Thursday 3 June 2010 The launch of Inspiring Communities to get Active Together – the first initiative of the Western Joint Working Programme between the Public Health Agency and Local Government takes place at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on Thursday 3 June at 10.15am.

Issued on behalf of the Southern Investing for Health Partnership Early Years organisations in the Southern area have taken part in a training programme to help increase play opportunities and promote more physical activity for young children and their families. The ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ programme, developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) and funded by the Public Health Agency, aims to promote healthy lifestyles in early years (0-5 years) and reduce the growing rates of childhood obesity.

Ladies of all ages from the Brownstown area have taken to the roads on a ‘Walk 4 Life’ challenge facilitated by Portadown Baptist Church. Funded by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP), through its Small Grants Programme, the aim of the challenge is to increase physical activity and raise awareness of the health related benefits associated with exercise amongst members.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trust are encouraging all men and women aged 60-69 to avail of the new Bowel Cancer Screening programme. Over 120 people have already participated in the screening programme since it was launched on 22 April.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) believes Icelandic volcanic ash currently poses no threat to public health here.When an Icelandic volcano erupted earlier this month staff from the PHA and partner agencies around the country began monitoring movement of the volcanic ash in the atmosphere and looking for any impacts on the health of people in the UK.

In Northern Ireland over 300 people are currently waiting for organ donation, with this mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA), on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) hosted an Organ Donor Stand at this years Balmoral Show, to increase awareness of this emotive issue and to help improve rates of organ donation here.