Today has been suggested as the ‘most depressing day of the year’, and while the science behind such claims remains to be proven, the Public Health Agency (PHA) says that nonetheless ‘Blue Monday’ is a good opportunity to take time out to look after your own mental health and that of people close to you.

During the unexpected March cold snap and with many homes still without electricity, the Public Health Agency is advising everyone to look after themselves and others, especially elderly. Keeping warm over cold periods can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. There are simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy. Keep warm at home by:

What happens in the early stages of life, and in particular before a child enters school, will impact significantly on their growth and development throughout their school years and also their long term health, wellbeing and life chances. That’s what delegates at an early years conference, held today [Thursday 17], heard about the importance of providing children with the best start in life.

As the weather is set to turn colder over the coming weeks and homes across Northern Ireland will be turning on the heating and lighting fires, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people to buy and fit a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. 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.

Support is available for people who are finding it hard to stick to their New Year’s resolution to stop smoking, says the Public Health Agency (PHA). As we progress through January, many people who quit smoking at the start of the month may be finding it tough to stay off tobacco, but help is available to make quit attempts a success.

Influenza activity in Northern Ireland has increased in recent weeks. While this increase is expected at this time of year, it reinforces the need for people who are ‘at risk’ to get the vaccine as soon as possible. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also taking this opportunity to remind the public to do their bit in helping to stop flu germs spreading.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more to get the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, following a rise in the numbers of cases. During 2012 there were 309 confirmed cases, compared with just 15 in 2011. Increases in levels of the illness are seen every three to four years, however, the numbers in 2012 are the highest for about twenty years.