While many of us will be focusing on having a great time over the Christmas period, minds will soon be turning to New Year’s resolutions, and once again quitting smoking will be at the top of many people’s ‘to-do’ list come the 1 January 2017. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to use this opportunity to make a plan, think about what steps they are going to take to stay off tobacco for good, and seek practical support and advice from a free ‘Stop Smoking Service’.

With many families out and about over the Christmas holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding breastfeeding mums to keep an eye out for the more than 530 Breastfeeding Welcome Here venues across Northern Ireland. Popular family venues, council facilities, cafes, tourist attractions and a host of other businesses are members of the scheme and you can find them all on www.breastfedbabies.org

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people planning on travelling to continental Europe to ensure they have had their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. The advice comes following a number of confirmed cases of measles in people who have recently returned from Romania and Italy. All of the cases have been reported in children and adults who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Measles is a highly-infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and the five Northern Ireland Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (NIDACTS) are urging anyone who is affected by a loved one’s drinking and/or drug misuse to get help from the family support services that are available here.

As Christmas approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends during the holiday season. Amanda O’Neill, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer with the PHA, said: “Many of us will be looking forward to Christmas when we can spend more time with our family and friends. “However, for some people this is a very difficult time, perhaps because of the expense involved, stress, bereavement, or feelings of isolation or loneliness.”