| HSC Public Health Agency

Get ready to swap fags for swag ahead of No Smoking Day

Read more about Get ready to swap fags for swag ahead of No Smoking Day

Quitting a 30-a-day habit could save over £4,000 a year Thousands of smokers across Northern Ireland were today urged to quit the habit and save a packet as the one month countdown to No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13 March gets underway.

Older people’s arts festival enhances health and wellbeing

Read more about Older people’s arts festival enhances health and wellbeing

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care have launched the Older People’s Arts in Health Festival 2013 at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. The festival aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people throughout Northern Ireland.

Stay sun safe on winter holidays

Read more about Stay sun safe on winter holidays

Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people pack for a winter holiday. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding travellers not to forget about sunscreen during their winter get-away. Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter rays, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 5 (28 January - 3 February 2013)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

How can industry engage with the NICRN?

The Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN) undertakes research in a range of medical fields. The NICRN is part of a UK-wide initiative to provide opportunities for patients and clinicians to participate in high-quality clinical research.

This leaflet is targeted towards commercial partners who may wish to conduct clinical trials within Health and Social Care (HSC). The NICRN offers a range of supports for commercial partners, which allow clinical trials to get underway quickly and ensure they run smoothly.

World Cancer Day: simple ways to cut the risks

Read more about World Cancer Day: simple ways to cut the risks

There are around 9,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland, so to mark World Cancer Day [4 February], the Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted some steps that can reduce the risk of getting cancer.

Bowel cancer screening programme success

Read more about Bowel cancer screening programme success

One year on from the launch of the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) public information campaign on bowel cancer screening, over 57,000 test kits have been returned to the lab to be screened – but there are still people out there who aren’t taking up the opportunity. Those eligible are being encouraged to consider taking the test as it could save their life.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 4 (21-27 January 2013)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Healthy employees make healthy businesses

Read more about Healthy employees make healthy businesses

Over 140 business people and health practitioners gathered at Lagan Valley Island on Wednesday 23 January to learn more about Assessing and Addressing Health and Wellbeing at Work in a conference organised by the Public Health Agency and Business in the Community.

Meningitis - know the signs and symptoms

Read more about Meningitis - know the signs and symptoms

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling for people to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, with the prevalence of this potentially life-threatening illness at its highest during the winter. Dr Richard Smithson, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, explained: “Meningitis can occur at any time of year, but is seen most frequently in the winter. It is a serious disease, so it is vital everyone becomes more vigilant of the signs and symptoms to be able to detect the disease earlier, to allow early intervention.