Health Minister Robin Swann has visited a youth facility in Ballymena providing information and support that young people need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. The Start360 Youth Engagement Service (YES) is funded by the Public Health Agency and provides a physical hub where young people have opportunities to socialise in an alcohol and drug-free environment and avail of information, advice and support on a range of issues for example on sexual health and mental health and wellbeing. During his visit Minister Swann met with young people as they took part in

The Health Minister has highlighted the importance of cancer screening following a visit to a Mobile Breast Screening Unit at Dromalane House in Newry. During the visit Minister Swann was able to see how the mobile unit operated and speak to staff and women using the service. Speaking afterwards, the Minister said: “Cancer unfortunately impacts on most of us at some point in our lives. Therefore it’s vital that people attend screenings when they are invited to do so. “Breast Screening Units like this one are crucially important to local communities and make screening very accessible. I urge

With temperatures set to rise in the coming days the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to protect themselves from the sun and to look out for older and more vulnerable people. Although there is no current weather warning for Northern Ireland, like there is in other parts of the UK and Ireland, it is still important to remember that as temperatures creep up, some people can be more susceptible to the heat, and all of us need to protect ourselves from the strong ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “With hot weather

As many get ready for Twelfth of July celebrations, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone choosing to drink to keep an eye on their alcohol intake by making a plan of setting a sensible limit and sticking to it. Whether it’s drinking at home, at a party, at an eleventh night bonfire, or at a parade, everyone is being reminded that alcohol carries serious risks both to safety and to health. Kevin Bailey, the PHA’s Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol said: “Many will be making plans to celebrate the Twelfth and we are encouraging those who will choose to drink alcohol to keep an eye on

As many people prepare to head away on holiday, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness that carbon monoxide (CO) can be a hidden killer during the summer months. “Carbon monoxide can build up very quickly in enclosed spaces to levels that can kill,” warned Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA. “Carbon monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel-burning appliances and incidents and even deaths can also occur in caravans and on boats.” Faulty gas cookers, appliances or petrol-powered generators have led to carbon monoxide poisoning

With many getting ready to head off on their summer holiday’s the Public Health Agency (PHA) is taking the opportunity to remind travellers about the risk of catching rabies from animals. Rabies is an acute viral infection and it is essential to get treatment if you have been bitten, as rabies is almost certainly fatal. The infection causes swelling of the brain and symptoms usually start 2–8 weeks after being bitten or scratched. Dr Frances Chan, Public Health Doctor at PHA, said: “Rabies is spread through animal saliva, usually a bite, but it can also be spread through a scratch or by an

The Community Pharmacy Living Well service is launching a new summer campaign on breastfeeding which will run during July and August 2022. The breastfeeding campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, encourage support for breastfeeding mums and help to normalise breastfeeding. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Department of Health and Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI). Dr Hannah Dearie, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing

The Public Health Agency (PHA) would like to take this opportunity to encourage people with a weakened immune system to continue to book or visit a walk-in clinic for their COVID-19 vaccines. All individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed are advised to receive a spring booster dose of the vaccine, typically six months after their last dose. COVID-19 is still out there and the vaccine offers the best defence against becoming seriously unwell, staying out of hospital and passing on the virus to loved ones and others around you. It is safe, effective and free for everyone. The