This webcast features Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health for the Public Health Agency, discussing the Director of Public Health Annual report for 2009. The report outlines some of the main public health challenges in Northern Ireland and highlights a selection of the invaluable work that has been undertaken at grass-roots level to address these. [swf file="http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/video/PHA_Annual_Report_2009.flv"]

The Public Health Agency is urging people to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and recommends taking action to minimise possible risk.Carbon monoxide poisoning can affect anyone. However, children, students, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with heart or breathing problems are more vulnerable to its effects. Carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels such as gas, coal, oil, wood, petrol and paraffin burn without enough oxygen. It is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas that is non-irritating.

The Healthcare Associated Infections in European Long Term Care Facilities (HALT) project is a point prevalence survey of nursing homes in European countries including Northern Ireland. The survey, which is taking place in September 2010, is being coordinated by the PHA along with staff from each participating nursing home. Why is it important to collect this information on nursing homes?

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today highlighting the fact that Northern Ireland now has the highest percentage of babies born in Baby Friendly hospitals in the whole of the UK with 61% of all babies born here being provided with the opportunity to get off to a better start in the way they are fed and cared for.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) recognise the need for a calcium enriched diet.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) encourages Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) to take part in the largest ever internet survey for gay men, bisexual men and other men who are attracted to men.The European Man-for-Man Internet Survey (EMIS) asks about relationships, sex life, risks, precautions and use of health services, and is available online until Tuesday 31 August 2010.

Parents attending the ‘Happy Hands’ parent and toddler group in Newry have received training highlighting the importance of promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for the under 5s. ‘Happy Hands’ was established four years ago in Newry by a small group of parents who are deaf or have deaf children. The purpose of the training was to raise awareness of the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ programme, developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) and funded by the Public Health Agency.

If you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or unsure of your sexual orientation, there are organisations that can provide support and guidance. Belfast Pride: www.belfastpride.comIreland’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans festival appealing to audiences of over 10,000 people in the summer of each year.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of safer sex and HIV testing for men who have sex with men (MSM) during the Belfast Pride festival this week.Recent figures show 396 people in Northern Ireland are living with HIV infection with 186 people becoming infected through sex between men – a figure that has been on the rise since 2000.