The Northern Ireland bowel cancer screening programme was launched on 22nd April 2010. The programme is targeted at all men and women aged 60–69 years and aims to reduce the number of deaths due to bowel cancer by detecting early warning signs of the disease. The screening programme has started in the Northern and Western Trust areas and will be extended across Northern Ireland in the coming months.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising that the volcanic plume of ash that is currently high in the atmosphere over the United Kingdom (UK) is not a significant risk to health. The advice to the public in Northern Ireland is that the situation is not expected to change.The PHA is working with multi-agency colleagues to monitor the situation and will continue to liaise with the met office for any change in weather patterns that may affect the ash.

‘Healthy Steps for Life’ is a new three-year programme developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) to promote healthy lifestyles in early years (0-5 years). Part of this programme is to support breastfeeding in local communities. Twelve participants from the Craigavon and Banbridge area have recently completed a new Breastfeeding Peer Support training programme developed by the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’programme. These volunteers are now trained as community-based peer supporters who will provide help and advice to breastfeeding mums in their local area.

Women from the Allsorts Ladies Group, based in Portadown, have undertaken a rigorous keep fit programme to stay active and encourage physical activity amongst members. The Group provides social activity for women in the area. The eight-week physical activity programme consisted of a series of armchair aerobics and Boccia sessions as well as reflexology classes and Capacitar Training - which focuses on breathing exercises to help lower stress levels, control emotions and pain management.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) today called for people to be aware of an increase in levels of the winter vomiting virus. The Agency recommends simple, practical steps to minimise the risk of illness to others, especially older people and those with underlying conditions who may be more vulnerable. The PHA made this call in the wake of a rise in cases of the illness being reported to GPs and among patients in local hospitals.

Vulnerable people across Northern Ireland are being provided with ‘Keep Warm’ packs to help them stay warm during the cold weather. This regional scheme has been funded by the Public Health Agency working in partnership with TADA Rural Support Network. The most vulnerable older people, people with a disability, those with chronic illness and the homeless, should expect to receive their pack soon.

During Breakfast Week (24-30 January) the Public Health Agency is taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of starting the day with a healthy, balanced breakfast.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) welcomes the recent announcement that mephedrone is to be classified as a Class B illegal substance from April 16. However, our concern is that the producers of these synthetic drugs will manufacture alternative ones to get around the law. The current process of having to find evidence of risk as each new drug emerges, before it can be banned, means there will always be a time delay between a drug becoming available, and it being made illegal.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging young men to open up and not cover up their problems with a campaign which aims to encourage males to speak out about their feelings before things get out of control.

The latest statistics on melanoma highlight an increase in rates of malignant melanoma across the UK1. Malignant melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and the Public Health Agency is today urging everyone to take care in the sun and to avoid the use of sunbeds to reduce their risk of skin cancer.