We are fast approaching No Smoking Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are urging people to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic our health is more important than ever and we are urging people to join with us and others throughout the world in supporting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘Commit to Quit’ campaign. “People can use No Smoking Month as an opportunity to kick-start their quit journey and improve their health. If you are lacking in motivation

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has offered advice on how to reduce the spread of coronavirus within the home if you or someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Most people are aware of the general steps they can take to avoid coming into contact with or spreading COVID-19 such as social distancing, wearing a face covering when required and practising good hand and respiratory hygiene, but implementing these steps and other simple measures within the household if someone in your home tests positive for COVID-19 could

In September 2019, the Department of Health published a new suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland known as Protect Life 2. The strategy includes specific actions which the Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for delivering, and the agency is now undertaking a pre-consultation on these suicide prevention and post-vention services In order for the PHA to develop future services to meet these actions, it is important to review current services and most importantly listen to the views of service users, local communities and other organisations delivering services, through this pre

During adverse weather many people can experience a range of situations associated with the extreme weather such as cold and freezing temperatures, no electricity or mains water and flooding. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has compiled public health information to assist the public in these situations. Support networks for those affected by the adverse weather Keeping warm during adverse weather Carbon monoxide poisoning Advice if flooding occurs Using emergency water supplies Water advice following restoration Looking after vulnerable and elderly neighbours Severe weather warnings The Met

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to mindful of the COVID-19 guidance over mid-term break. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “After a very tough winter we are all looking forward to nicer weather and brighter days, but right now we are in a very important moment of the pandemic, after weeks of home-schooling and working from home for many of us it might be tempting to break up the monotony of everyday life but it’s essential that we don’t become complacent. “The sacrifices we have all made during this lockdown are making a difference, and infection

Lady Mary Peters has received her COVID-19 vaccine from her local GP surgery as part of the Northern Ireland vaccination programme, and has urged others to get it too when called. Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is the most important thing you can do to help protect your community against serious illness, alongside following public health advice. When enough people get vaccinated, it’s harder for a disease to spread to those who are most vulnerable. Lady Mary Peters, who is 81 years old, received her vaccine from GP Dr Andrew Dick from The Hill Medical Group Practice in Dunmurry. Lady Mary