With 60% of adults in Northern Ireland either overweight or obese, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to spot the signs that they may be inching towards bad health. Measuring up is a quick and easy way to check, and as part of National Obesity Awareness Week (11-17 January) our experts are saying take out the tape measure and get to know your waistline. “Many people don’t measure their waistline correctly as they’re unsure of where their waistline actually is,” Dr Tracy Owen, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said.

The Public Health Agency is advising everyone to be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is particularly relevant when clearing up after flooding as there is a serious danger posed by carbon monoxide fumes from the indoor use of generators to dry out buildings. CO poisoning can be fatal and affect anyone. However, children, older people, pregnant women and people with heart or breathing problems are more vulnerable to its effects.

The damaging impact of smoking is being highlighted in Northern Ireland’s new campaign to tackle smoking prevalence, which is being launched today [29 December] by the Public Health Agency (PHA). Sadly one in every two smokers will die of a tobacco-related disease, so this new campaign features the story of someone who was one of those “one in two” and aims to motivate and encourage smokers to make a quit attempt.

The Health Research Authority and the Devolved Administrations are consulting on a new UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research following the initial comments period. This sets out principles of good practice in the management and conduct of health and social care research in the UK. It will replace the four separate Research Governance Frameworks previously issued by each UK Health Department.

The Public Health Agency and partners will be hosting the fourth Public Health Annual Research and Practice Conference on Wednesday 8 June 2016 at Riddel Hall, Stranmillis Road, Belfast. The Theme: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Why attend?Be informed – network – discuss – get new ideas

With the Christmas party season in full swing the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to be mindful of their alcohol intake at this time. People across Northern Ireland are looking forward to celebrating with family, friends and work colleagues, however, if you choose to drink it’s easy to lose track of how much alcohol you are consuming.

First-time university students are being encouraged by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to get the meningococcal vaccine if they haven’t already done so. The new vaccine, which became available in August, protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia – meningococcal A, C, W and Y diseases. The immunisation programme is asking everyone born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 1997, and first time university students up to the age of 25, to get the MenACWY vaccine if they didn’t get it before starting university.