Report puts blind cord dangers in the spotlight
A report which aims to help save children’s lives by highlighting the dangers of looped blind cords and chains is to be released today (July 9).
Don’t forget to wash your hands when visiting the farm
With many families taking day trips over the summer holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of washing their hands when visiting farms and urging people to not rely on using hand wipes and antibacterial gel alone. Dr Lourda Geoghegan, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Open farms can be great fun for the family but it’s important to be safe when getting close to animals in the farmyard or field.
GRAHAM-Bam Healthcare Partnership supports employee health and social wellbeing
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has commended GRAHAM-Bam Healthcare Partnership, contractors on the new construction phase of the Ulster Hospital, for promoting the ‘Workplace 28 Day Stop Smoking Challenge’ through their health and wellbeing initiatives, and congratulated more than 30 staff who took part.
Belfast communities receive half a million from Active Belfast
The Belfast Strategic Partnership (BSP) Active Belfast team has awarded nearly half a million pounds to local community projects to address health inequalities. Programmes in physical activity and nutrition will benefit from the funding boost, including Active Belfast’s successful ‘Jog Belfast’ scheme, which to date has had more than 2,000 participants get active.
PHA publishes report on aftercare received by those who self-harm
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today publishing the findings of a study into the aftercare received by those who attended hospital after self-harming. The report, which concentrates on the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area, has been compiled by the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) in collaboration with the PHA.
Don’t sizzle in the sun during heatwave
With a spell of good weather expected, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are offering advice on how to cope during the heatwave. Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, explained: “Being active and having fun outside is good for our health, but the sun can cause permanent damage to our skin. Just one episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, doubles the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.”
Small grants opportunity for community and voluntary sector organisations
The CLEAR Project have announced the opening of a small grant scheme on behalf of the Public Health Agency (PHA) for projects/initiatives which address Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing, Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm. The CLEAR Project, which is part of Derry Healthy Cities, has been commissioned to facilitate this process in the Western, Southern, South Eastern and Belfast LCG areas. The small grants scheme provides the community and voluntary sector with the opportunity to access small, non-recurring grants.