The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all those ‘at risk’ to get the flu vaccine as the overall uptake for the vaccination is lower than at the same time last year. So far this year there has been a 10 percentage point decrease in uptake by people categorised as ‘at risk’ – pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, for example, asthma – as well as a fall (10 points) in the number of pre-school children aged over two years receiving the vaccine.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland, with around 900 new cases diagnosed each year, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer, so during Lung Cancer Awareness Month the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on smokers to take the decision to give up their habit and start to enjoy the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle. Gerry Bleakney, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “Smoking cigarettes is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for around 90 percent of all cases.

The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and Public Health Agency (PHA) Annual Quality Report 2014/2015 is being published today to mark World Quality Day. Annual Quality Reports are a recommendation of Quality 2020: a 10 year strategy to protect and improve quality in Health and Social Care in NI (DHSSPS). These are also published by the Health and Social Care Trusts and arms-length bodies. Mary Hinds, Director of Nursing, PHA says,

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is working with the organisers of this year’s Outburst Queer Arts Festival to promote important information about protecting and promoting sexual health. The ninth annual festival, which launches tomorrow [12 November], includes film, theatre performances, and visual art celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

A handy new shower card which shows women what signs to look out for when it comes to spotting possible breast cancer has been launched by the Public Health Agency and breast cancer charity Pretty ‘n’ Pink. The waterproof card, which is designed to be kept in the bathroom or bedroom as a reminder to check your breasts regularly, carries top tips and images highlighting key symptoms.

Sunbeds are a popular way to top up a fading summer tan or to get one in time for the Christmas party season, but with evidence of health risks associated with sunbed use, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging people to think twice before using them – it isn’t worth the risk. Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Modern sunbeds work by exposing the user to UV radiation which can be the equivalent of Mediterranean sunlight at midday in August.

It’s National Stress Awareness Day today so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging employers and employees to take practical steps to deal with stress in work life. The theme of this year’s National Stress Awareness Day is ‘Employee Wellbeing as a Worthwhile Investment in Your Business’. “A certain level of stress is part of daily life,” said Amanda O’Neill, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer with the PHA.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more to get the whooping cough vaccine as it can protect your newborn baby in their first weeks of life against whooping cough. There has been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Northern Ireland, with 79 confirmed cases so far this year. The total confirmed cases for the whole of 2014 was 33. The total in 2013 was 54, but there aren’t as many this year as in 2012 which saw 314 cases.