Don’t forget your sunscreen – that’s the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland to those heading off on a winter break. At this time of year many people will be flying off to catch some winter rays or hitting the ski slopes, but it’s important to stay safe in the sun, even during winter. Denise McCallion, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Many people forget to pack sunscreen when going on a winter holiday. People may not be aware of the risk of sunburn during winter months but it is important to take steps to

Caolan O’Neill, 6, from Derry was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, after his teacher noticed he was going to the toilet a lot. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults. Caolan’s mum Amanda explains: “Caolan was quite the typical 5-year-old boy, he was very happy-go-lucky, enjoyed playing with his friends and dreaming of being a YouTuber and he had just started his first term in Primary 1 and was really loving it.” Caolan attended St Paul’s Primary and

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

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

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