With more snow forecast for Co Down today and tomorrow the Public Health Agency is advising everyone to look after themselves and others during the March cold spell. Vulnerable and elderly people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated during the cold weather. The PHA is encouraging everyone to watch out for neighbours, friends and those who may be more vulnerable during severe weather and check that they are ok. The following advice can help you or a neighbour keep warm at home:

With the unexpected cold weather set to continue until the weekend, the Public Health Agency is advising everyone to be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning from lit fires. We would also urge the public to check that the fuel source elderly neighbours are using is safe. CO poisoning can be fatal and affect anyone. However, children, older people, pregnant women and people with heart or breathing problems are more vulnerable to its effects.

The eighth annual Public Health Agency (PHA) media awards run by the Western Investing for Health Partnership which honour media students for their understanding of public health issues have been held in Derry-Londonderry. The awards were presented by Mark Simpson from the BBC at a ceremony held in Waterside Theatre. Students from colleges and universities were invited to submit articles and pictures on a current health issue.

Spring has barely sprung, with snow enveloping Northern Ireland over the past week, but with longer days and an extra hour of brightness in the evening with the clocks going forward on Easter Sunday [March 31], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people of all ages to use the opportunity to get active as the weather improves.

Teachers from across Northern Ireland are celebrating their exam success after recently completing a Diploma in Nutrition and Health. Seventeen teachers received their Diplomas at an event at the Lisburn Island Civic Centre on Tuesday March 19.

Ahead of World TB Day on 24 March the Public Health Agency (PHA) has released the latest figures which show a 40% increase incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland last year. In 2012 in Northern Ireland there were 87* cases of TB reported, up from 2011 when 62 cases were reported. Since 2004, there have also been 12 cases of multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB).

Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum, in partnership with the Later Years Group of the Western Investing for Health Partnership and the Public Health Agency (PHA), hosted 'The Age of Change' Conference in the City Hotel, Derry~Londonderry as part of the City of Culture programme of activities.

With the Six Nations drawing to an end, the Formula 1 season blasting off and St Patrick’s Day celebrations swinging into action, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on people to bear in mind their alcohol consumption as they enjoy themselves over the long weekend. Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol Lead, said: “Most people will be looking forward to a weekend of fun, so we are just asking people to keep an eye on how much they are drinking and to make sure that alcohol does not spoil the holiday for themselves or others.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting World Kidney Day (Thursday 14 March 2013) by calling for more people in Northern Ireland to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor register. World Kidney Day was first established in 2006 to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys in relation to our overall health, while also seeking to reduce the impact of kidney disease worldwide.