The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are warning of the dangers of misusing benzodiazepines (benzos) and are urging those who feel unwell after taking them to seek medical help urgently. The most recently published drug death figures show that deaths relating to benzo use increased from 45 in 2014 to 63 in 2015.

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 about the sunscreen during 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 Public Health Agency (PHA) has just launched a revised version of the Personal Child Health Record also known as the ‘Red Book’. This book is given to all parents following the birth of their child or if they move to Northern Ireland from another country. The redesigned version is being introduced following consultation with parents and health professionals. Additional messages and information have been added for parents on keeping children safe and healthy and is illustrated by artwork from student nurses from Ulster University School of Nursing.

We’re all looking for ways to eat a bit healthier, so this Obesity Awareness Week (8–14 January) the Public Health Agency (PHA) has released 16 new recipes to help make the tough decisions about what to eat that little bit easier.

With flu levels having risen in recent weeks and many of us experiencing coughs and colds, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering some simple advice to us get through winter and reminding everyone that hand hygiene and self-care are essential when preventing and managing colds and flu. Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant at the PHA, said: “Washing your hands regularly will help prevent flu and other winter viruses spreading.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has issued advice about air pollution. There is a strong possibility of moderate to high levels of air pollution in urban centres across Northern Ireland today (Wednesday) and tomorrow. Levels are currently low, though are forecast to increase going into this evening and persisting overnight and into tomorrow. The wind is expected to strengthen from the early hours of Friday morning which should disperse pollutants and bring levels down.

High levels of air pollution (particulate matter) are currently being monitored in the Derry/Londonderry area with people advised to take extra care if they have a respiratory illness. Low levels of air pollution are being monitored elsewhere across Northern Ireland, though there is a possibility that other urban areas will experience high air pollution as a result of the current weather conditions. The pollution is likely to persist overnight and into tomorrow (Monday), with the situation improving from tomorrow evening onwards.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people who are eligible for the free flu vaccination to get it without delay. The call comes as the strains of flu seen during Australia’s winter season, particularly A(H3N2), are increasing in prevalence on this side of the world. Australia experienced its worst flu season since the 2009 pandemic, and global circulation means we are seeing an increase in cases here too.