Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland, with around 3,780 cases every year. With this in mind The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have joined forces to remind outdoor workers to protect their skin from sun damage. Farmers, builders, grounds staff and postal workers are just some of the people at higher risk of sun damage due to the length of time they spend working outdoors.

Accidents are the main cause of death for children post-infancy, with many occurring in the home. During Child Safety Week (6- 12 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting steps to make your home as safe as possible. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “None of us wants to think about anything bad happening to our children, so it is important that we don’t ignore the risks but take steps to reduce the likelihood of children having an accident around the home.

Survey highlights need for more talk about palliative care More than two thirds (68%) of people with palliative care needs have said that ‘planning for the future’ is their biggest worry – in a survey of palliative care experiences across the island of Ireland. Half of palliative care users (52%) said they felt frustrated or helpless. 51% said their emotional and psychological needs were not met and 42% wanted better co-ordination of care or treatment.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on people to quite literally take some simple steps to better health. With three out of five adults here overweight or obese, the agency’s new campaign is encouraging us to increase the amount of steps we take to improve our health and help manage our weight. The campaign, part of the Choose to Live Better programme, encourages people to measure how many steps they take, and then set personal goals to increase this number.