With the holiday season in full-swing, minds will soon be turning to New Year’s resolutions, and once again quitting smoking will be at the top of many people’s ‘to do’ list when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make a plan, think about what steps they are going to take to stay off tobacco for good, and to seek practical support and advice from a Stop Smoking Service.

We all think of having a good time at Christmas. Stress and loneliness aren’t something people tend to talk about during the holiday period. However, at this time of year, it is extremely important to look after your own mental health and that of family and friends, says the Public Health Agency (PHA). This is particularly important as people’s alcohol consumption can increase over the festive period, which may increase feelings of stress or depression.

Vulnerable people from across Northern Ireland will receive protective clothing to help them keep warm this winter, through the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Keep Warm’ scheme. The scheme aims to provide support for those most at risk who are unable to adequately heat their homes this winter, including older people, children, and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities made worse in cold weather. This regional scheme has been funded by the PHA, working in partnership with local councils, health and social care trusts, and community networks.

A care pathway for Perinatal Mental Health was launched this week by the Public Health Agency (PHA) which will provide local guidelines for health care professionals on effective ways of accessing the appropriate advice, information and treatment for pregnant women presenting with signs of mental ill health.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has declared an outbreak of measles after four cases of the disease were detected in Northern Ireland over the past week. All four cases have occurred among young people in south Belfast. PHA has contacted the parents and guardians of other children who may have been exposed to these cases advising them of the situation and of the need to rapidly protect unvaccinated individuals with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

As part of their commitment to supporting and promoting the City of Culture 2013 over 60 staff from the Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board and the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) recently completed the WorldHost Ambassador training programme, with the aim of becoming cultural champions and volunteers during 2013.

A unique cross border patient safety training programme has brought together 27 senior managers and clinicians from hospitals and services on both sides of the border, to focus on best practice in patient safety and how it can be applied in local health facilities.

Don’t get a gift you won’t forget this Christmas! While enjoying the festive period, remember to practice safe sex and avoid getting a gift you won’t forget – that is the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA).