Smoking tobacco is very harmful to health. The short and long term effects of smoking are well known and smoking remains the single biggest cause of early death in Northern Ireland. A typical smoker dies 10-15 years earlier than they would do if they didn’t smoke. Recent reports published by Public Health England suggests that e-cigarettes are less harmful to health than smoking, but also recognise that the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes “vaping” are not yet fully known. E-cigarettes are one type of nicotine replacement product; however they are not currently licensed for use as a

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is making people aware of services available in their local areas to help with drug and alcohol misuse. Michael Owen, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “Drug and alcohol misuse is sadly all too common and something that can affect anyone. “Recent reports of suspected heroin-related overdoses and deaths are worrying and the PHA would strongly advise that the only effective way to avoid risk is to not take any drugs which have not been prescribed for you by your doctor. “The main risk factors when using drugs

Thousands of young people will receive their exam results soon, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs whether celebrating, or commiserating. Both scenarios can lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so there’s an important role for parents to talk to their children about the risks. The PHA’s drugs and alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “Parents’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to alcohol and drugs have a strong influence on their children. Parents can make the first move and

The Public Health Agency (PHA), in conjunction with local councils, is offering advice on how people living with dementia can reduce their risk of having an accident in the home. “Safety in the home is important to everyone, but living with a diagnosis of dementia can in some cases add to the concern of keeping people safe in their own home environment,” said Hilary Johnston, Regional Lead for Home Accident Prevention with the PHA. “People with dementia should be supported and empowered to better understand the risks within the home so that they can remain independent and live well and safely

This World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding and its importance to both mum and baby. More mothers in Northern Ireland are choosing to breastfeed, and more of them are continuing to do so after the first weeks and months following birth. Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “Quite simply, mother’s milk is the healthier choice for you and your baby. So when you decide to breastfeed, you’re giving your baby a wonderful start in life. “Any breastfeeding, even

With this Saturday marking World Hepatitis Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA), is encouraging those who think they may be at risk of having the infection to get tested and treated. Viral hepatitis kills 4,000 people every day worldwide and, although not very common in Northern Ireland, it is estimated 400 million people across the globe are infected. There are five main types of viral hepatitis, but types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis B and C viruses are spread by

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be a hidden killer during the summer months, and with many of us heading away on camping, caravanning or boating holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging holidaymakers to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces. While carbon monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel-burning appliances, incidents and even deaths can also occur in caravans and on boats. “Carbon monoxide can build up very quickly in enclosed spaces to levels that can kill,” said Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the