High levels of air pollution are being monitored in Belfast and Derry, with people advised to take extra care if they have a respiratory illness. While most people will not be affected by short term peaks in air pollution, some people - particularly vulnerable groups such as those with existing heart or lung conditions - may experience increased symptoms. If you think you may be affected by air pollution levels, you should consider modifying your treatment as you usually do when symptoms increase and, consult your doctor if this is not effective.

Farming Minister Michelle McIlveen has praised the role of the Farm Families Health Checks Programme in providing screening services and advice to rural communities.

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill and Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen have highlighted the importance of responsible antibiotic use in both humans and animals.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are working together this winter to ensure that people prepare for the colder period. Their joint campaign, ‘Stay Well This Winter’, is urging people to look after themselves and take actions that will help them stay well during winter. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Winter can affect people’s health, particularly those over 65 and people who have a long-term health condition.

The Our Future Foyle project ran a series of spellbinding events during the Halloween festival in Derry/Londonderry recently to promote the River Foyle as a site for recreation and healthy activities. Our Future Foyle is a partnership between the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design and the Public Health Agency (PHA). The project aims to revitalise the river area with the local residents to create an uplifting and positive place for people to socialise and spend time in.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has published a report on the extent of self-harm in Northern Ireland over the past three years. The Northern Ireland Registry of Self-Harm Three-Year Report 2012/13-2014/15 is an analysis of the prevalence of self-harm presentations to the 12 local Emergency Departments (EDs) of Northern Ireland’s hospitals.

It is estimated that there are 10,000 people in Northern Ireland who have diabetes but don’t know it, in addition to the 88,000 adults living here with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using World Diabetes Day on 14 November to remind everyone of the importance of ensuring early detection of diabetes and getting treatment to reduce risk of serious complications.