The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make it their New Year’s resolution to quit smoking and improve their health, with a range of free support available to help. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA , said: “The start of a new year provides a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which is significant as people face tough times with the cost of living crisis

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA, said: “Lung cancer is more common in people over 50, but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as spotting it early could make a huge difference.” Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: a

GRAPHIC MESSAGES There are over 2,000 smoking-related deaths in Northern Ireland every year. These are avoidable. The government is now running a consultation around creating a smoke-free generation and tackling youth vaping. Make your voice heard and complete the survey at www.pha.site/smokefreeconsultation Have you had your say? The government is running a consultation on creating a smoke-free generation and tackling youth vaping. Don’t miss your chance to give your input. Find out more at www.pha.site/smokefreeconsultation Make your voice heard on the government’s ‘smoke-free generation’

Smoking is the single most entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability, and death in the UK. It is responsible for around 2,200 deaths per year in Northern Ireland. No other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users. On 4 October 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published a command paper ‘Stopping the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ setting out proposed actions to help protect future generations from the harms of smoking by creating the first “smokefree generation”, which the UK government and devolved administrations are now

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the dangers of vaping unregulated substances as it has again received information about young people becoming ill after vaping ‘spice’. Reports have suggested that those affected thought they were purchasing THC or cannabis oil, but they were unknowingly supplied with and had taken the synthetic drug ‘spice’, the effects of which required hospital treatment. All drugs, whether illegal drugs or prescription medication, carry risks. The PHA strongly recommends that you do not take anything unless it has been prescribed to you by a medical