Health and Social Care (HSC) in NI in partnership with ORCHA (Organisation for Review of Care and Health Apps) has developed a library of high quality, convenient Apps to support health and social wellbeing during these difficult times. The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted on us all, leading to unprecedented changes in our everyday lives. The restricted living conditions and daily challenges we face can lead to feelings of stress and other difficult emotions. Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Since taking up post as Health Minister I have made mental health and wellbeing a priority. In these

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued public advice to help make shopping trips safer during the coronavirus pandemic, and reassure shoppers about how to look after themselves while picking up essentials. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “While the message is to stay at home, clearly there is a need to do shopping for food and other essential supplies when necessary. For many people who are rightly socially distancing and following guidance, going to a shop at the minute can be quite stressful, as it can mean touching communal surfaces such as trolleys and

One of the unintended consequences of lockdown and people spending more time in their gardens or yards could be an increased risk of sunburn, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. The two bodies are using Sun Awareness Week [May 4-10] to encourage people to remember to stay sun safe in the current circumstances and be aware of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Denise McCallion, Senior Health Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Our behaviours have very much changed since guidance was introduced to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. This will inevitably

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is recommending that everyone take vitamin D supplements during the lockdown period to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for everyone and we get it from two main sources, sunlight and food. Caroline Bloomfield, the PHA’s lead on Nutrition and Healthy Eating, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic the government has advised that we all stay at home, and while many of us will actually be outdoors more than usual if we have gardens or go outside for our once-daily exercise, for some the lockdown will mean spending much

COVID-19 is affecting all our lives and there is a lot we need to get used to. If you are pregnant or you have just given birth, this can be a particularly worrying time. But as we are all spending much more time in our homes, this can present a great opportunity to start and continue to breastfeed. Janet Calvert, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We know that breastfeeding mums need support and with the reduction of home visits from health professionals we want to make sure you know you are not on your own. “Breastmilk provides all the nutrients your baby