Children from the Firs Playgroup in Armagh have benefitted from funding received from the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SHIP). Funded by the Public Health Agency, the SHIPs small grant programme awarded the Playgroup funding to erect a Polytunnel. This will provide the children with a great learning opportunity giving them the chance to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs while providing them with the chance to understand nature and foster a love for the environment at an early age.

A series of free ‘Electric Blanket Testing’ roadshows are being heldacross the Southern area. Electric blankets cause over 800 fires in the UK each year, with nearly 20 deaths and 200 injuries. Most of the casualties are people aged over 60 years. The next roadshow in your area will take place on: Tuesday, 26th January 2010inMourneview Community Centre, Lurgan The aim of the roadshows is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by faulty and misused electric blankets.

The Public Health Agency is encouraging smokers to use the free smoking cessation services this New Year to kick their habit for good. Many people see the New Year as an opportunity to change something about their lives that they are not happy with and a chance to make a fresh start, often this is something relating to improving their health.

The first annual Regional Symposium on Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI), led by the Public Health Agency, takes place at 9.00am on Thursday 4 March 2010 at Greenmount College, Antrim. The Symposium will feature contributions from experts in the field of HCAI from England, Scotland and Ireland. Each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust will share best practice and discuss learning arising from work undertaken to date. The Patient Client Council will provide a perspective on patient experiences and expectations.

An alcohol awareness raising campaign developed by the Public Health Agency targeting women drinkers aged 30-59, begins today. The campaign, ‘Reduce your drinking, reduce your risk of breast cancer,’ focuses on the risk between drinking alcohol and breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in Northern Ireland and one of the leading causes of death amongst women. International research shows that drinking more that your recommended daily limit increases your risk of breast cancer.1

Severe weather has affected a number of areas throughout Northern Ireland causing disruption to power supplies, telecommunications and road transport in some areas particularly in the West and North of Northern Ireland. The weather forecast for the next 24-48 hours shows signs of improvement, however, the combination of continued rain, melting snow and strong wind in some areas brings with it a risk of further surface water flooding.

The Public Health Agency has today emphasised the many health benefits to be gained by eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The reminder comes in response to the findings of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition which found that 2.5% of cancers could be averted by increasing intake of fruit of vegetables. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency, said: “Although the figures appear modest – the impact is still a reduction of 7,000 cases of cancer per year in the UK (100 in NI 1).

The Public Health Agency has today reported a small number of confirmed and suspected cases of measles amongst children and young people within the Craigavon area, Co Armagh. Measles is an acute infection caused by a virus. It used to be very common in children, but is now rare because of the high levels of MMR (Mumps, Measles and Rubella) immunisation. Although most common in children, it can occur at any age. Measles is very infectious and is caught either through direct contact with an infected person, or through the air when the patient coughs or sneezes.

Childminders from the Armagh area have attended training highlighting the importance of promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for the under 5s. The purpose of the training was to raise awareness of the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ programme, developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) and funded by the Public Health Agency. The programme is designed to develop childminders’ knowledge and practical skills in encouraging greater physical activity among young children.

The Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) has awarded funding to 41 local community groups across the Southern area. Funded by the Public Health Agency, the SHIPs small grants programme awards funding to community-based groups encouraging local activities that address the key targets in Investing for Health, i.e. poverty and disadvantage; neighbourhood and environment; education and life-skills and healthy choices. One of the first groups to secure funding of almost £1000 is Willowbank Community Resource Centre in Dungannon.