On World TB Day (Friday 24 March), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of preventing transmission of tuberculosis and how to recognise its symptoms early. Dr Michael Devine, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “TB remains an important global and local public health issue. People may think of TB as a disease of the past but there are more than 10 million new cases of TB globally each year with more than one million deaths, mostly in developing countries.

New statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry show that there has been an increase in the number of men diagnosed with the most serious skin cancer, malignant melanoma. However, the good news is that more cases were detected early, when there is a greater likelihood of successful treatment. In 2015 there were 209 cases of malignant melanoma in males in Northern Ireland, which is higher than previous years.

This Salt Awareness Week (20-26 March) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the dangers of eating too much salt and asking everyone to check food labels to see how much salt is in our food. Too much salt in our diet can contribute to high blood pressure – also known as hypertension – and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease, some of the leading causes of disability and death in Northern Ireland. Hypertension often has no symptoms, but if you have the condition, you are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.

As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone who chooses to drink to keep an eye on their alcohol intake, emphasising the dangers of binge drinking and the effects that excess alcohol can have on our health and our safety. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “A lot of people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family tomorrow to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink.

To mark World Delirium Day (15 March), the HSC Safety Forum, part of the Public Health Agency (PHA), and Dementia Together NI, are urging everyone to ‘Make a Delirium Difference’ and recognise the signs and symptoms of delirium. Dr Gavin Lavery, Clinical Director of the HSC Safety Forum, said: “Delirium is caused by an acute disturbance of brain function which often produces a state of sudden confusion or changes in behaviour and awareness.