The 17th annual Regional Sexual Health Conference held last week attracted delegates from across Northern Ireland. Funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, this conference will help to improve Children and Young People’s Sexual Health.

Recent health figures show that 20% of adults surveyed admitted to drinking over the weekly alcohol limits (1) so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Alcohol Awareness Week (14-20th November) to reinforce the importance of drinking sensibly and staying within safe alcohol limits.

To mark the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (21- 25th November 2011), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances - such as boilers, heaters and cookers - checked by an appropriately registered engineer before the winter sets in, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. CO alarms are also recommended for every home, however, they should not be used as a substitute for regular servicing of appliances.

On European Antibiotics Awareness Day (18 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board are reinforcing the message that antibiotics do not work against viruses such as colds and flu and therefore are of no benefit in treating viral infections. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. The correct diagnosis and the decision about whether antibiotics are necessary can only be made by a medical doctor. Remember: Antibiotics won’t work in the case of cold or flu. Patients should:

NI Water and the Public Health Agency have lifted the boil notice for the remaining customers in the Finvoy area. This means that the water supply in this area and all areas in Ballymoney can now be used without boiling. Customers will receive a hand delivered notice to advise them their water can be used in the normal way.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which reduces the risk of developing cervical cancers, is being routinely offered to girls aged 12-13 (Year 9) in schools across Northern Ireland. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reinforcing the message for all parents to encourage their daughters to have this vaccine which will significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer throughout their lives.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) wishes to tender for the provision of One Stop Shop Services across Northern Ireland to cater for the health improvement needs of children and young people aged 11-25. This follows the piloting of a number of models across Northern Ireland over the last 18 months. The independent report of this evaluation is available here

ISSUED BY HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE BOARD Three new initiatives, developed by the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Implementation Group (RABIIG) have been launched by Health Minister Edwin Poots to improve information and services for parents, carers and service users of brain injury services in Northern Ireland.

In 2011, 31,574 people were registered as having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Northern Ireland. The most common cause of COPD is smoking and to mark this year’s World COPD day, which takes place on Wednesday 16 November, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging all smokers to make a decision to stop smoking today and reduce their risk of developing the disease.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is liaising with Northern Ireland Water and can confirm that a ‘Boil water’ notice is still in force until further notice as a precautionary measure, in the area of Finvoy. Dr Brian Smyth, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA said: “All water to be used for drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth, used in baby formula and making ice cubes, for example, should be boiled and cooled before use, in the affected area. People should also take care with boiled water, to avoid burns and scalds.