This week is Stress Awareness Week (30 October – 3 November) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging those experiencing stress to participate in free online stress control classes throughout November. Stress is the feeling of being unable to cope as a result of too much mental or emotional pressure. It can affect our physical health as well as our mental health and wellbeing. Common signs of stress include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, feeling anxious, irritable, low in self-esteem, have racing thoughts, worrying constantly or going over

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people who fall into an ‘at risk’ group to take up the offer of the autumn vaccinations as soon as you are invited. All individuals in clinical risk groups who are aged from six months to 65 years, as well as those aged 65 years and older, are advised to receive the vaccines. If you are ‘at risk’, either due to older age, a health condition, medical treatment or are pregnant, you are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell if you contract influenza or COVID-19. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases as they teach

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is delighted to launch new primary school organ donation education resources aimed at introducing organ donation education at an early age. With the educational curriculum in mind , t he resources will provide Key Stage1 and 2 pupils with the information they need to find out more about the topic and to discuss it with family and friends. Northern Ireland also becomes the first region in the UK to introduce 'Orgtober' to the school calendar for the month of October, leading the way in organ donation education and early awareness. Orgtober is an innovative project

Following publication of the latest data in the COVID-19 Epidemiological Bulletin, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone that vaccination remains the best defence against emerging variants. The variant BA.2.86 continues to spread in the UK, with cases identified in most regions, and the latest data (6 October) from the PHA show a small number of cases provisionally identified in Northern Ireland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that the early indications are that BA.2.86 is no more likely to evade existing antibodies than XBB.1.5, another variant that has been

A new business in Derry/ Londonderry has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums. Tiny Town is a small world/ imaginative play area for children to experience play activities from the world around them. This new membership represents a huge support network to breastfeeding mums who are visiting the space. In joining this scheme, Tiny Town has pledged that: breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of its premises; a mum who

63-year-old Celina Ball from Derry/ Londonderry was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 after attending her regular breast screening appointment. Reflecting on her diagnosis, Celina said: “I was sent for a routine breast screening appointment so I headed over to the mobile unit in Creggan. After a couple of weeks, I got a letter to come back to the clinic as something had showed up in my mammogram. “When I went back they did another mammogram and an ultrasound. Not long after that they told me that I had an early form of breast cancer. “I had no symptoms at all, I was shocked to know that I

As part of the Living Well service throughout October and November community pharmacies are highlighting the importance of keeping antibiotics working. Living Well is a community-based pharmacy service offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). Antibiotics are needed for serious bacterial infections. When antibiotics are not used correctly, the bacteria they are designed to treat can become resistant, this is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Ahead of Positive Ageing Month this October, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of looking after your health this winter, particularly those who are older and vulnerable. Diane McIntyre, Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing Improvement (Belfast and South Eastern) at the PHA said: “Reducing isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of older people is a key focus for the PHA. Positive Ageing Month is a welcome opportunity to celebrate older people and for them to connect and become involved in events and activities which promote improvement in both physical and