The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to switch off the telly, pull on your walking shoes and take the first steps to better health, after figures revealed that almost half of adults in Northern Ireland are sitting in front of the TV for more than two hours per day. Reduced activity, combined with a poor diet, can lead to becoming overweight or obese.

As parents take to the shops thinking about what to pack in their children’s lunchboxes for the new school term, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging them to choose healthier options for a better break time.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching the second year of the shingles vaccination programme, available from 1 October 2014, for all people aged 70 and a catch-up programme for people aged 78 and 79 years old to help protect against the common and painful skin disease and its complications.

Belfast City Council has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme, a Northern Ireland-wide programme to increase the number of premises which welcome breastfeeding mums. Belfast City Hall, along with 35 other council-run buildings, including community and leisure centres, have just signed up to the initiative, bringing the total number of popular local attractions, businesses and council facilities across Northern Ireland to 389.

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening disease and during Meningitis Awareness Week (15-21 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding students to be aware of the signs and symptoms.Teenagers and young adults (14–24 years old) are more at risk, especially when away from home with no parents around to look after them.

As thousands of students across Northern Ireland start the new term at college or university, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity to raise awareness of student mental health. To coincide with local Freshers’ Weeks this month, the agency is launching its revamped booklet ‘Mind Your Head: A student guide to mental health’.

HIGH levels of air pollution (particulate matter) are currently being monitored in the Belfast area. MODERATE levels of air pollution are being monitored in other urban centres across Northern Ireland. The air quality forecast indicates that the pollution will disperse through the day. Similar pollution levels may occur tomorrow morning, depending on weather conditions. These pollution levels are the result of the cold, calm, foggy weather conditions we are currently experiencing, which can lead to the build up of local emissions from vehicles and home heating.