The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today marking World Mental Health Day (10 October) by highlighting some of the varied initiatives it has supported which are being undertaken by numerous groups and organisations to promote the importance of talking about mental health, breaking down stigma and encouraging people to seek support by speaking to friends, family and local services. The PHA is particularly focusing on projects that are addressing the issue by developing capacity from within the targeted communities. The projects also have the ability to have an impact on raising awareness of

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging women to be aware that lumps aren’t the only sign of breast cancer to look out for. The call comes at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as the PHA highlights the less well-known signs of breast cancer by partnering with Menarys, who will be hosting a unique set of mannequins within a number of their stores’ lingerie departments. The lifelike mannequins depict some lesser-known signs of breast cancer to raise awareness and encourage women to keep an eye out for them. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “While breast

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people aged 70 and 78 to take up the invitation to get the shingles vaccine. The vaccine will help protect against this common and painful disease and its complications. Each year in Northern Ireland around 1,000 people in their seventies will get shingles. The shingles vaccine will be offered routinely to people who are aged 70 years on 1 September 2018 (born between 2 September 1947 and 1 September 1948 inclusive); and as part of a catch-up programme for those aged 78 on 1 September (born between 2 September 1939 and 1 September 1940 inclusive)

During National Eye Health Week (24 to 30 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone to have their eyes tested every two years and to be aware of the importance of good eye health and the steps to take to protect your vision. Dr Jackie McCall, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Over 50% of sight loss is preventable, so ensuring that we all have regular eye examinations will help prevent, or limit, the damage caused by certain eye conditions. “Regular sight checks are important for two reasons. Firstly, having your vision corrected can improve the quality of day

With one in five over 55s having had a fall at home, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is working in partnership with councils across Northern Ireland during Falls Prevention Awareness Week to raise awareness of the measures we can take at home to prevent falls. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “Falls can have a very serious impact, resulting in pain and injury, and in some cases even death. Falls continue to be the leading cause of accidental deaths at home with the incidence of falling increasing as people get older. The Health Survey Northern

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging students to be aware of the importance of looking after their mental health, as the new academic year gets underway. Fiona Teague Health Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “This month marks an exciting time for many young people as they head off to college or university. It can also be a huge period of change for those starting a new course and perhaps living away from home for the first time. “Most of us go to university or college hoping that it will lead to a good job in the future. In the shorter term, students are usually focused on