With exams getting under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to support their children’s emotional wellbeing during what can be a stressful time. A certain level of stress is entirely normal, however some students can feel particularly pressured to achieve good results and this can have a significant impact on how they feel. Madeline Heaney, Regional Lead for Mental Health Promotion with the PHA, said: “The possible impact of exam stress on mental and emotional wellbeing should not be underestimated.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today publishing the results of a point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and antimicrobial (antibiotic) use in long-term care facilities in Northern Ireland. The survey, known as HALT 2013, is part of a larger, similar survey conducted across Europe in 2013.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people during Sun Awareness Week (5 to 11 May 2014) to check their skin for signs of skin cancer.Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that begins in the skin and can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of malignant melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

Each year, millions of infections can be prevented through ensuring good hand hygiene, therefore the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the need to ‘clean your hands’ on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global hand hygiene day, the 5 May.

Smoking levels among manual workers remain high in Northern Ireland, with 31% of manual workers smoking. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging businesses in Northern Ireland to avail of the ‘Workplace Stop Smoking Service’ which has been set up by the PHA to provide free assistance for employers across Northern Ireland to help reduce smoking rates among their workforce.

The Public Health Agency welcomes the annual Depression Awareness Week, 28 April- 3 May. For information about Aware Defeat Depression or Depression Awareness Week call 028 9035 7820 or visit the website www.aware-ni.org.uk Anyone who is concerned about depression should speak to their GP or other health professional. For more information on depression see http://www.mindingyourhead.info/topic/depression

Major events can attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. When many people are gathered together for such events, there can be an increased risk to public health, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) plays a key role in helping to reduce this risk. For advice and information on how to reduce the risk to public health during the Giro d'Italia click here.