This week (15-19 May) is Walk to School Week and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get more active by leaving the car at home and walking the school run. Statistics show just over three-fifths (61%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while less than a third – only 29% – walk. For post primary, 30% of pupils are driven by car and 18% walk.

In Northern Ireland in a typical week, two people die as a result of home accidents. In addition to these deaths, there are approximately 17,000 admissions to hospital each year as a result of unintentional injuries. However, accidents can easily be prevented by being aware of the dangers and hazards that are present in the home environment and taking steps to minimise the risks. At this year’s Balmoral Show (10–13 May 2017) the Public Health Agency (PHA) in association with local councils in Northern Ireland are hosting a stand to raise awareness of home accident prevention.

A new Regional Hospital Passport has been launched to help improve the experience of hospital visits for people with a learning disability. The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with the Regional General Hospital Forum for Learning Disabilities, health and social care trusts, and people with a learning disability and their carers, developed the passport folder which holds details about the patient’s likes, dislikes, how best to communicate with them and other helpful information.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to use Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May) to take time out to think about mental health and steps we can take to improve it. Fiona Teague, Health Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “We are encouraging people to use Mental Health Awareness Week as an opportunity to think about how they can improve their mental health. We all know that it is important to look after our physical health but it is also really important that we don’t neglect our mental health.

During Sun Awareness Week (8 to 14 May 2017) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people that the only thing that should be sizzling this summer is the food on their barbecue as they urge people to take care in the sun.

Each year, millions of infections are prevented through the simple act of washing your hands. So today [Friday 5 May], on the World Health Organization’s global Hand Hygiene Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone that washing your hands regularly and thoroughly can save lives and avoid the need to use antibiotics to treat these infections. The theme for Hand Hygiene Day is ‘Fight antibiotic resistance – it’s in your hands’.