Teachers from across Northern Ireland are celebrating exam success after completing a Diploma in Nutrition and Health. This week 14 teachers received their Diplomas at an event at Clotworthy House in Antrim. The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with the Food Standards Agency for Northern Ireland (FSANI), offered Home Economics teachers in Northern Ireland the opportunity to obtain the Royal Society for Public Health Diploma in Nutrition and Health.

As the St Patrick’s Day weekend approaches and with many planning to celebrate with family and friends, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to be aware of their alcohol limits. The PHA is also emphasising the need to look after yourself, your friends and family should you choose to drink alcohol over the holiday.

A stunning and innovative exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people is opening at Duncairn Cultural Arts Centre on Wednesday 12 March at 3pm. ‘In Full Bloom’ will showcase art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who, over the last three months, have had the opportunity to explore and experiment with different art forms as part of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care ‘Here and Now’ festival of arts and older people.

This spring the ‘Living Willows for Shade’ sun safety project is getting underway at Primate Dixon Primary School in Coalisland. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus initiative provides areas of shaded play for school children created from living willow trees.

This spring the ‘Living Willows for Shade’ sun safety project is getting underway at Drumachose Primary School in Limavady. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus initiative provides areas of shaded play for school children created from living willow trees.

People with a learning disability are more likely to suffer from health inequalities than members of general population. The Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the University of Ulster have hosted a conference which has showcased the work that has been done to date to promote the health and wellbeing of people with a learning disability and demonstrate the commitment to address health and social wellbeing inequalities of people with a learning disability in the future.

Over 350 healthcare professionals from across Ireland will gather in Belfast tomorrow for a two-day conference focusing on high quality, safe and effective care for patients and service users in the health and social care system.

Patients and carers urged to share experiences of palliative care. A unique survey of patient and carer experiences of palliative care has been launched. The Let’s Talk About survey is being led by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) with support from the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to discover the benefits of reducing salt in their diet during National Salt Awareness Week. The theme for this year’s awareness week (10-16 March) is “Switch the Salt” and highlights how eating less salt can lower blood pressure, a condition that can often lead to serious health problems.

Northern Ireland Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher spends a lot of time on the snow, but she is aware that although it may be cold she still needs to protect herself from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people take a winter holiday. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget about the sunscreen during their winter get-away. Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break.