Early years support provides later life benefits: conference

A child’s experiences in early life have a massive impact on their later experiences, a groundbreaking international conference being held in Belfast heard today [29 May]. The event, hosted by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and held at Stormont, featured experts from the USA, Scotland and Northern Ireland, bringing the issue of early years to the heart of government.

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

Enjoy the weather and don’t let your skin sizzle in the sun

Sunnier weather and higher temperatures forecast for the week ahead are a welcome sign that summer is approaching. Good weather brings lots of opportunities for enjoying the outdoor life and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising everyone to take care in the sun. Many people may not be aware that skin cancer is the number one cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for more than a quarter of all people diagnosed with the disease.

The PHA, through the Regional HSC Personal and Public Involvement Forum, have led on the development of an agreed regional policy to ensure that services users and carers are not out of pocket when involved in helping us to plan, deliver, review and evaluate HSC services. Staff are asked to familiarise themselves with the policy and apply it when involving services users and carers in their work.

 

 

 

This leaflet explains what syphilis is and how it can be contracted through several forms of intimate contact including kissing, unprotected sex or genital contact. It explains what the possible symptoms may be like, as half of the people infected with this infection show no symptoms at all. It explains how syphilis is diagnosed and treated and how to protect yourself against catching it.

This poster informs how syphilis can be spread through oral sex and how condoms can be used as a method of protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It also provides updated attendance and contact details for the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics in Northern Ireland.

This leaflet explains the concept of safer sex and why everyone who is sexually active should protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections or the risk of getting pregnant.

It also provides information on contraception, including emergency contraception, and a list of useful contacts including GUM clinics.

This poster informs about chlamydia, stating that it doesn't always show symptoms and can be prevented by using a condom. It also provides updated attendance and contact details for the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics in Northern Ireland.