| HSC Public Health Agency

World Cancer Day: simple ways to cut the risks

Read more about World Cancer Day: simple ways to cut the risks

There are around 9,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland, so to mark World Cancer Day [4 February], the Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted some steps that can reduce the risk of getting cancer.

Bowel cancer screening programme success

Read more about Bowel cancer screening programme success

One year on from the launch of the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) public information campaign on bowel cancer screening, over 57,000 test kits have been returned to the lab to be screened – but there are still people out there who aren’t taking up the opportunity. Those eligible are being encouraged to consider taking the test as it could save their life.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 4 (21-27 January 2013)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Healthy employees make healthy businesses

Read more about Healthy employees make healthy businesses

Over 140 business people and health practitioners gathered at Lagan Valley Island on Wednesday 23 January to learn more about Assessing and Addressing Health and Wellbeing at Work in a conference organised by the Public Health Agency and Business in the Community.

Meningitis - know the signs and symptoms

Read more about Meningitis - know the signs and symptoms

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling for people to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, with the prevalence of this potentially life-threatening illness at its highest during the winter. Dr Richard Smithson, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, explained: “Meningitis can occur at any time of year, but is seen most frequently in the winter. It is a serious disease, so it is vital everyone becomes more vigilant of the signs and symptoms to be able to detect the disease earlier, to allow early intervention.

Local pregnant woman Rebecca says flu vaccine has given her ‘peace of mind’

Read more about Local pregnant woman Rebecca says flu vaccine has given her ‘peace of mind’

Influenza activity in Northern Ireland has increased in recent weeks 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, and this is particularly important for pregnant women. Women can find they are bombarded with advice during their pregnancy and face making tough choices about what is best for them and their baby. However, one Northern Ireland mum-to-be said her decision to get the flu vaccine this year required no debating at all.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 3 (14 - 20 January 2013)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Helping your child learn to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of toddlers aged between one and a half to two and a half years old who need help learning to talk.

Helping your baby learn to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of babies aged up to one and a half years old who need help learning to talk.

Top Tips to look after yourself this ‘Blue Monday’

Read more about Top Tips to look after yourself this ‘Blue Monday’

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.