Smoking is the single most entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability, and death in the UK. It is responsible for around 2,200 deaths per year in Northern Ireland. No other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users. On 4 October 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published a command paper ‘Stopping the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ setting out proposed actions to help protect future generations from the harms of smoking by creating the first “smokefree generation”, which the UK government and devolved administrations are now

As International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day approaches on Saturday 18 November the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone who has been bereaved by suicide to avail of the emotional support available to help them address their feelings and to restore hope. The PHA’s booklet ‘Help Is At Hand’ is a compassionate resource which draws on the experience of those affected by a loss through suicide and focusses on the practical help that can be offered to those grieving. The booklet can be found at www.pha.site/HelpIsAtHand Fiona Teague, Regional Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Lead

This module has been developed by the HSC Clinical Education Centre in collaboration with the HSC Public Health Agency and trusts as part of the Swallow Aware Campaign which seeks to develop systems, processes and services for people living with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia. The aim of this eLearning is to raise awareness of eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties and to promote safe and effective care for those affected. By the end of the module participants will be able to; Describe what eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties mean, and

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA said: “Lung cancer is more common in people over 50 but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as spotting it early could make a huge difference.” Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: a

This week is Stress Awareness Week (30 October – 3 November) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging those experiencing stress to participate in free online stress control classes throughout November. Stress is the feeling of being unable to cope as a result of too much mental or emotional pressure. It can affect our physical health as well as our mental health and wellbeing. Common signs of stress include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, feeling anxious, irritable, low in self-esteem, have racing thoughts, worrying constantly or going over

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people who fall into an ‘at risk’ group to take up the offer of the autumn vaccinations as soon as you are invited. All individuals in clinical risk groups who are aged from six months to 65 years, as well as those aged 65 years and older, are advised to receive the vaccines. If you are ‘at risk’, either due to older age, a health condition, medical treatment or are pregnant, you are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell if you contract influenza or COVID-19. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases as they teach

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is delighted to launch new primary school organ donation education resources aimed at introducing organ donation education at an early age. With the educational curriculum in mind , t he resources will provide Key Stage1 and 2 pupils with the information they need to find out more about the topic and to discuss it with family and friends. Northern Ireland also becomes the first region in the UK to introduce 'Orgtober' to the school calendar for the month of October, leading the way in organ donation education and early awareness. Orgtober is an innovative project

Following publication of the latest data in the COVID-19 Epidemiological Bulletin, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone that vaccination remains the best defence against emerging variants. The variant BA.2.86 continues to spread in the UK, with cases identified in most regions, and the latest data (6 October) from the PHA show a small number of cases provisionally identified in Northern Ireland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that the early indications are that BA.2.86 is no more likely to evade existing antibodies than XBB.1.5, another variant that has been

A new business in Derry/ Londonderry has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums. Tiny Town is a small world/ imaginative play area for children to experience play activities from the world around them. This new membership represents a huge support network to breastfeeding mums who are visiting the space. In joining this scheme, Tiny Town has pledged that: breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of its premises; a mum who