During Carers’ Week (9–15 June 2014) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people who have been a carer for someone with a progressive medical condition which is unlikely to be cured to help improve patients’ experience by completing a major all-island survey of care experiences. The 'Let’s Talk About' survey is the first of its kind and continues until the end of January 2015. It is being led by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) with support from the PHA and Health Service Executive (HSE) in the Republic of Ireland.

With over 75,000 adults in Northern Ireland affected by diabetes, during Diabetes Week (8 to 14 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone across Northern Ireland to be aware of how type 2 diabetes can be prevented, the dangers it can cause to your health and what the signs and symptoms of diabetes are to help ensure early diagnosis. Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. This is because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (or in some cases none at all), to help glucose enter the body’s cells.

In light of the recent heavy downpours and with another spell of unsettled weather expected the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people of the potential public health risks associated with flooding. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning as heavy rain and gales are expected as a result of Storm Frank.

With the majority of cases of cervical cancer occurring in women who have either never had a screening test, or who have not had a screening test in the last three to five years, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women during Cervical Screening Awareness Week (7–13 June) to take up the invitation to have a regular screening test for cervical cancer – it could literally save your life.

Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland, with approximately 2,300 people dying prematurely each year from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers. Every year on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. For WNTD 2014, WHO is calling on countries to raise taxes on tobacco.

It’s the last week of National Walking Month, but the Public Health Agency (PHA) says there’s still time to put on your walking shoes and take a stroll as part of your everyday life. Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise and the easiest to build in to your daily routine. It also has many health benefits, as walking at a brisk pace can make you feel good, reduces anxiety, help you sleep better, reduces blood pressure and can help you manage your weight.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to drive forward with its commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing and reducing levels of suicide in Northern Ireland with the publication of ‘Quality Standards for Services Promoting Mental and Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention’. The PHA defines standards as an essential level of quality to ensure safe and effective practice against which performance can be measured. Standards are designed to encourage and support improved services which will lead to better outcomes for service users.

‘It’s ok to ask about clinical research’ is the message from the launch of the public awareness campaign to encourage patients, carers and the public to ask healthcare professionals if there is a study they might be suitable for.

“Don’t bottle it up” is the message from health and social care professionals this week during Dementia Awareness week 2014. The Public Health Agency and Health and Social Care Board are working jointly with the Alzheimer’s Society, the Dementia Services Development Centre and local Health and Social Care Trusts to implement Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland. This regional strategy aims to promote a culture which ensures people with dementia are supported to live with dignity and without stigma.