The Public Health Agency (PHA) has welcomed the results of the Independent Review of Breast Screening, published today [30 October], and is urging all women to continue to attend for screening when invited as it has been proven to save lives.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging pregnant women and the parents of young children to ensure whooping cough (pertussis) immunisations are fully up to date, following a rise in the numbers of cases during 2012.

As Hallowe’en approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding those who choose to drink to be aware of their alcoholic units, particularly in party punch and cocktails and to stay within safe limits. Owen O’Neill, PHA Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager and joint regional lead for alcohol and drugs, said: “Hallowe’en is an exciting event that everyone can enjoy, but it’s also important to be smart if you use alcohol and make sure that your drinking does not spoil the celebrations for yourself or others.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health, PHA, said: “The PHA has activated a full public health response to this outbreak and the situation is being managed and monitored very closely.

This Halloween the Public Health Agency (PHA) says that while ghosts and ghouls may be scary, flu is much more haunting, so to avoid getting tricked by the illness, ‘at risk’ groups are being offered vaccination to help protect against it.

The clocks go back this year on Sunday 28 October, but despite it getting dark earlier and the temperature dropping outside, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has revealed some top tips to help you stay active and lift your mood during the winter months.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) welcomes a UNICEF report, launched yesterday, (18 October) that makes a strong financial case for investing in better support services for women to enable them to start breastfeeding and continue for as long as they wish.

Flooding has affected a number of areas in Northern Ireland causing disruption and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the potential public health risks associated with flash flooding. Further heavy rain is forecast for Thursday afternoon by the Met Office which has issued a Yellow warning with a possible rainfall of 10mm in an hour in some places – especially across Antrim and Down.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. As of 3pm on Wednesday 17 October 2012, there were 25 confirmed cases and 154 probable cases. Eight people have been hospitalised since the start of the outbreak, but the PHA understands that most have now gone home.