January is the month in the health calendar when the spotlight focuses on cervical cancer prevention. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity to encourage women to attend when called for their cervical screening appointment and not to put it off. Each year around 90 women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20 women die from the disease. The PHA coordinates the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland and is taking this opportunity to emphasise the importance of going for a smear test when invited.

Home-Start volunteers from across the Newry area have attended a training session highlighting the importance of promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for the under 5s. Home-Start offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in the local community. The purpose of the training was to raise awareness of the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ initiative developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) and to develop the volunteers’ knowledge and practical skills to encourage greater physical activity among young children.

A new ‘one stop shop’ drop-in service, providing information, support and education to those young people and their families, affected or concerned by alcohol and drug misuse, has opened its doors in Banbridge. The new service entitled: ‘Info-station’ has been funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and is managed by REACT (Reaching Everyone and Creating Trust). Four such pilot centres have been set up across Northern Ireland.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) supports the research conducted by Harvard University which highlights the link between eating processed meat, such as sausages, bacon and ham, and an increased risk of heart disease. Nutrition is central to our health. Good nutrition in the early years can help protect against chronic diseases in later life. Jennifer McBratney, Registered Dietitian with the PHA, said: "Heart disease and cancer are Northern Ireland’s biggest killers and we know that poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to both of these.

Residents living within the Creggan area of Newry and Mourne have been participating in healthy lifestyle activities encouraging physical activity and healthy eating. The healthy lifestyle programme was funded by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership’s (SIHP) Small Grants Programme. (A partnership supported by the Public Health Agency).

The dangers associated with the misuse of solvents have recently been highlighted in the Northern Ireland news. ‘Talking about solvents’ is a leaflet that provides advice to parents on how to approach teenagers and children about the misuse of solvents. This leaflet explains what solvents are, why parents should talk to their children about solvent misuse, the risks involved, signs of solvent misuse and what parents can do regarding this issue. Click here to download ‘Talking about solvents’.

The Public Health Agency hopes that all supporters from Northern Ireland travelling to the World Cup will have a safe and enjoyable experience. The Agency reminds travellers of the importance of getting good travel advice before travelling. It is particularly important that people going to the World Cup discuss their particular travel health requirements with their GP or travel clinic to ensure they are adequately protected, including being up to date with routine vaccinations, as well as any additional ones that may be appropriate.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) today called for people to be aware of an increase in levels of the Norovirus, commonly known as stomach flu. The PHA recommends simple, practical steps to minimise the risk of illness to others, especially older people and those with underlying conditions who may be more vulnerable. The PHA made this call in light of the ongoing issue of the Norovirus in hospitals and wants to stress the need for patients and visitors to hospitals to make hand hygiene a top priority.

Plans are ongoing to improve autism services for children and adults in Northern Ireland. The Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network was set up by the Health and Social Care Board to implement the Autism Action Plan published by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey last autumn and already much progress has been made. To find out what the Network is all about and what improvements to autism services are planned, please go to the Health and Social Care Board website at www.hscboard.hscni.net/asdnetwork.html

Public Health Agency – Press Release Thursday 3 June 2010 The launch of Inspiring Communities to get Active Together – the first initiative of the Western Joint Working Programme between the Public Health Agency and Local Government takes place at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on Thursday 3 June at 10.15am.