The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting Men’s Health Week 2012 (11 – 17 June) as an ideal time for men to focus on their own health and wellbeing, getting themselves checked out or looking for help and support, if necessary. The theme for the all-island Men’s Health Week is 'First Instinct', encouraging men and boys to seek help and support in times of difficulty or trouble. According to the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, men (north and south) experience a disproportionate burden of ill-health and die too young:

As the 2012, Olympic Torch makes its way across Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) will be cheering on Orla Smyth, local transplant athlete, one of the fortunate few selected to carry the flame on part of its journey, today (at 4.18pm) from the Hillsborough Old Road (near The Close) to Ryanscourt . Orla will represent transplant recipients, those on the transplant waiting list and donor families.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, Public Health Agency (PHA) presented the ‘Healthy Workplace Award’ to Woodvale Construction, tonight (1 June), at the gala Derry~Londonderry Business Awards 2012, at the City Hotel, Derry. The ‘Healthy Workplace Award’ category, sponsored by PHA, was one of fifteen Business Awards being presented to leading businesses from the Derry area. The Awards were organised by the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, City Centre Initiative and principal sponsor Money Exchange.

With the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend providing the perfect opportunity for camping, the Public Health Agency, PHA, is reminding people of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from leaving lit or smouldering barbeques inside tents or caravans. Many people are already aware that fossil fuels and wood, when burnt without enough oxygen, create high levels of CO. However, the PHA is concerned that campers may not be aware of the risks involved with taking lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or caravans.

A new cook book aimed at school caterers, containing nutritional recipes for 280 of the most popular school dinners, has been launched. This coincides with Northern Ireland’s School Meals Week. The book – ‘Stop, Look, Cook!’ – has been produced by the Public Health Agency (PHA) in partnership with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the Department of Education (DE) .

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking World No Tobacco Day (Thursday 31 May) by reminding everyone that smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland, with approximately 2,300 people dying prematurely each year from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers.

A child’s experiences in early life have a massive impact on their later experiences, a groundbreaking international conference being held in Belfast heard today [29 May]. The event, hosted by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and held at Stormont, featured experts from the USA, Scotland and Northern Ireland, bringing the issue of early years to the heart of government.