Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people pack for a winter holiday, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget their sunscreen when packing for their winter get-away. Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break. The Solar UV Index shows how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is reaching us from the sun and how careful we need to be. UV levels vary with the seasons and time of day, but when the UV index is three or

Under-65s with health condition in particular being urged to get vaccinated The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all remaining eligible people whose health could be seriously affected by flu to get the free flu vaccine. GPs across Northern Ireland are offering flu vaccination to everyone over 65, people under 65 with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and children aged 2-4 years of age. Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Flu is now circulating in Northern Ireland as expected and, while the levels remain low, it is likely to increase over the

Falling over can happen to anyone, but for older people the risk is particularly high and the consequences potentially severe, including distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality. Last year more than 26,000* older people attended emergency departments in Northern Ireland after a fall and falls are listed as the number one reason for trauma in older people at emergency departments. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with councils across Northern Ireland, has produced a falls prevention video to raise awareness of the measures

Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of blindness in people of working age in the UK. The Northern Ireland Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (NIDESP) aims to detect diabetic eye disease at an early stage and prevent sight loss in those with diabetes aged 12 years and over in Northern Ireland. It is important for patients with diabetes to attend a diabetic eye screening test as this is not routinely covered as part of a normal eye test with an optometrist. Currently, the NIDESP is undergoing a modernisation project to ensure that it remains a sustainable service and continues to