Carbon monoxide (CO) can be a hidden killer during the summer months, and with many of us holidaying at home this year on camping, caravanning or boating trips, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging holidaymakers to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces. While carbon monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel-burning appliances, incidents and even deaths can also occur in caravans and tents, on boats and in other small places. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA said: “Carbon monoxide can build up very

Celebrations for this year’s Twelfth of July might be a little different but the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to drink that nothing has changed when it comes to alcohol – keep an eye on your alcohol intake by making a plan of setting a sensible limit and sticking to it. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “A lot of people will be making plans to celebrate the Twelfth at home and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. “By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new programme of investment that will provide support to communities in response to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHA is encouraging groups to apply to the short-term funding programme, which can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities living through COVID-19. Professor Hugo Van Woerden, Director of Public Health at PHA, said: “Communities have risen to the challenge of the pandemic and created a strong web of mutual support, highlighting the importance of community infrastructure in dealing with such challenges

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new mass media campaign today to raise awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19, the importance of testing and the role contact tracing can play in limiting the spread of infection. This comes as Northern Ireland progresses through the coronavirus recovery plan, with the aim of reminding the public of the important role everyone has to play in minimising the risk of a second wave of infection. The campaign will include TV and radio ads, social and digital activity, and outdoor advertising. Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I very much welcome the

A new programme of free online Stress Control classes will start on 13th July 2020 with classes running on a monthly basis until December 2020. The programme has been developed to support people dealing with the effects of the pandemic on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Topics covered include an overview of what stress is, controlling your body and your thoughts, controlling your actions, and techniques to get a good night’s sleep. Stress control is a class, not ‘group therapy’. People can take part in the class from the privacy of their own home. Dr Kevin Dyer, Psychology Lead