Women encouraged to take up life-saving cervical screening when invited

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is taking the opportunity during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week to highlight the importance of women taking up the invitation to have cervical screening. Statistics show that between 2013 and 2017, there was an average of 83 women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Northern Ireland. Dr Damien Bennett, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Between 2013-2017 there were around 21 deaths from cervical cancer each year in Northern Ireland. It is therefore important for women to accept their invitation for the screening test – it could save

Top tips on getting fit and losing excess weight in 2020

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is taking the opportunity during Obesity Awareness Week to offer top tips on healthier eating and becoming more active. The Health Survey (NI) 2017/18 shows 64% of adults were either overweight (37%) or obese (27%). Caroline Bloomfield, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Manager at the PHA, said: “At this time of the year, following Christmas, many people will be looking at how they can become healthier and fitter, how they can lose a bit of weight and get more active. “Having a waistline of 37 inches or more for a man and 32 inches or more for a

Vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation programmes

Introduction

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to save lives and improve health, second only to clean water.

Northern Ireland offers a comprehensive vaccination programme, free for eligible individuals based on age or risk group, to protect against serious diseases.

Historically, Northern Ireland has achieved some of the highest immunisation uptake rates globally, thanks to the dedication of healthcare professionals. Maintaining this success is essential to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and safeguard public health.

Regional Health and Social Care Personal and Public Involvement Forum: Annual Update Report 2018/19

Relationships and sexuality education in the community: what do we need to do next?

Public Health Agency Stakeholder Consultation Events Thursday 23rd January 2020 Belfast Central Mission, 5 Glengall Street, Belfast, BT12 5AD 5.00pm Tuesday 28th January 2020 Silverbranch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7DH 5.00pm The aim of these events is to obtain feedback from the stakeholders regarding the provision of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programmes in the community to younger people aged 12 to 19 years. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is seeking feedback from young people, parents and community/voluntary organisations that have accessed the existing RSE

Safer sleeping advice for parents at Christmas

Ahead of the Christmas holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and guardians of young babies of the importance of following safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. At this time of year, with festivities and celebrations, the normal routines and sleeping arrangements for young babies may be changed. Emily Roberts, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children at the PHA, said: “It is really important to keep your baby’s sleep environment safe throughout the festive period when there may be a higher chance of parents being more tired and normal routines

Button cell battery danger warning ahead of Christmas

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a pre-Christmas warning to parents and guardians about the dangers of lithium button cell batteries, which are used to power many children’s toys but are highly dangerous if accidentally swallowed. The festive period can typically see a rise in the number of these small, button-shaped batteries introduced to the home as they are contained in many toys, musical Christmas cards, remote controls and a host of other electronic items. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Young children are naturally inquisitive
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