The Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning members of the public about a potential health risk associated with a strung seed bracelet which has been on sale across the UK, including at the Eden Project, a popular tourist attraction in Cornwall. The distinctive red and black bracelet is made from the jequirity bean, which contains a poisonous substance called abrin.

Obesity is a modern lifestyle epidemic that is threatening our health and well-being. This was the key message delivered by Health Minister Edwin Poots at the launch of The Framework for Preventing and Addressing Overweight and Obesity in Northern Ireland 2012-2022: ‘A Fitter Future for All’. This ten year strategy will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of people throughout their entire life, from newborns to seniors.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to make climate change their business to help sustain local communities and protect public health. During Climate Change Week (12– 18 March 2012), the PHA is calling for people to make simple changes to their lifestyle - both at home and in work - in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint and improve quality of life for everyone.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting World Kidney Day (Thursday 8 March 201) by calling for more people in Northern Ireland to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor register. World Kidney Day (WKD) 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.

Pregnant women in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area are learning how to manage their weight as a result of a project being funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA).