A knitting group has been busy knitting boobs to help support breastfeeding mums. The ‘Knit and Natter’ group meets twice a week at Arc Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, providing an opportunity for people in the community to connect and share a passion for all things knitting. Sharon Duncan is part of the group that helped to knit over 20 boobs that will be used as teaching aids to support breastfeeding mums. Sharon said: “We were delighted to be able to do our bit to support breastfeeding mums. A few of the group members got together and decided to give it a go and they

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22–28 January), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited. This comes after the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme introduced full primary HPV screening into the cervical screening pathway in December, which will increase the ability to detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “ Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to

With the most vulnerable groups having been prioritised, the current influenza vaccination programme is now being extended to include everyone aged 50 to 64 years old. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone in this category, and those in other eligible groups including all health and social care workers, to come forward now and take the opportunity to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and those around them. The call comes as flu activity continues to increase. Getting vaccinated will help protect more people from flu and help to relieve possible further pressure on the

Cold weather can have a serious impact on our health, and with temperatures dropping, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has some advice for keeping warm at home. Tracey Colgan, Senior Health and Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Many people may be reluctant to put on their household heating with energy costs at high levels, but being cold poses serious health risks, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. “Cold homes can also cause and worsen respiratory conditions and

The arrival of Christmas is a happy time for many but the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging those who struggle at this time of year to take time to protect their mental health and wellbeing and that of friends and family. Fiona Teague, Regional Lead for Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing at the PHA, said: “Being aware of your own mental wellbeing and that of your friends and family could be the best gift this Christmas. “This time of year can be difficult for many, with pressures around finances, feelings of stress and loneliness coping with bereavements, or even the pressure of

With Christmas fast approaching, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging eligible people to take up the offer of the free COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible to top up their protection. During the colder winter months when people stay indoors for longer, and often in larger groups, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 and the PHA strongly encourages eligible people to take up the vaccination offer now, to help avoid missing out on socialising

Parents and carers are being warned to be alert to the dangers of ‘button batteries’ this Christmas, with the Public Health Agency (PHA) highlighting how easily things can go wrong. Lithium cell batteries, also known as ‘button batteries’, are common in many children’s toys but are a significant danger to a child or adult’s health if swallowed. They can cause choking, poisoning, or burning, and can lead to life-changing injuries or even death. Janine Gaston, the PHA’s Lead on Home Accident Prevention, said: “This time of year sees many toys coming into households and it can be hard to keep