Stop smoking this New Year

While many of us will be focusing on having a great time over the Christmas period, 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 come the 1 January 2017. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to use this opportunity to make a plan, think about what steps they are going to take to stay off tobacco for good, and seek practical support and advice from a free ‘Stop Smoking Service’.

Supporting breastfeeding mums during the festive season

With many families out and about over the Christmas holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding breastfeeding mums to keep an eye out for the more than 530 Breastfeeding Welcome Here venues across Northern Ireland. Popular family venues, council facilities, cafes, tourist attractions and a host of other businesses are members of the scheme and you can find them all on www.breastfedbabies.org

Sexually Transmitted Infection surveillance in Northern Ireland 2017 An analysis of data for the calendar year 2016

Annual Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Report for Northern Ireland: 2016-17

This report aims to provide an overview of both adult and childhood immunisation programmes in Northern Ireland for 2016-17. It also provides information on vaccine preventable epidemiology in Northern Ireland in 2016.

MMR vaccine advice for public planning on travel to parts of Europe following outbreaks of measles

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people planning on travelling to continental Europe to ensure they have had their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. The advice comes following a number of confirmed cases of measles in people who have recently returned from Romania and Italy. All of the cases have been reported in children and adults who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Measles is a highly-infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Vaginal Mesh Frequently Asked Questions

This document contains a number of frequently asked questions regarding vaginal mesh, along with answers. The most recent version is held on the Health and Social Care Board website at: http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/our-work/commissioning/mesh-frequently-asked-questions/

Guidelines for the management of HIV positive pregnant women in Northern Ireland

All pregnant women in Northern Ireland should be offered and recommended a screening test for HIV at their booking visit or at the earliest available opportunity if presenting later in pregnancy. Antenatal screening for HIV plays a very important role in identifying HIV positive pregnantwomen. Early identification of HIV allows for appropriate management and treatment of the motherwhich can significantly reduce the risk of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV to <1%.

Look after your mental health this festive season

As Christmas approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends during the holiday season. Amanda O’Neill, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer with the PHA, said: “Many of us will be looking forward to Christmas when we can spend more time with our family and friends. “However, for some people this is a very difficult time, perhaps because of the expense involved, stress, bereavement, or feelings of isolation or loneliness.”
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