On Friday 20 March a solar eclipse will take place, blocking out about 90% of the sun, putting much of the UK into the shadows. For many, this will be the first time they have witnessed such a phenomenon, the last time being 15 years ago. It is expected to be a spectacular sight – but it also has the potential to cause blindness. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are urging everyone to exercise caution and are highlighting the dangers of looking directly at the sun during the eclipse.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to keep an eye on their alcohol intake ahead of St Patrick’s Day, emphasising the dangers of binge drinking and the effects that excess alcohol can have on your health and your safety.

A stunning exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people opened this week at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. ‘In Full Bloom’ showcases art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who 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 for older people. The festival aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people by supporting them to access and participate in high quality arts activity.

Patient involvement is set to improve in the health service with the creation of new standards which will oversee the input the public have into their care. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has for the first time established a set of standards for engagement between people working within Health and Social Care (HSC) and service users, carers and members of the public. The five standards of Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) support the key principle of people being involved and consulted on decisions which affect their health and social care. The five standards are:

March is here and it is the start of lambing season; however the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season.