Both the Health Service Executive and the Public Health Agency now have free smartphone Apps to help us to protect each other and slow the spread of coronavirus.  Find out more at: https://covidtracker.gov.ie [RoI]   |   https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/testing-and-tracing-covid-19/stopcovid-ni-contact-tracing-app [NI]

Although many people are not going abroad for a holiday this year due to COVID-19, it’s worth remembering that the sun in Ireland can also cause a lot of skin damage.  As the good weather encourages more people to be outside, there is an increasing need to be ‘sun smart’ - as skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland.  You can find out how at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWMEL5OuesA  |  www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSvudyajTyI

In mid-June 2020, the Department of Health in the Republic of Ireland launched ‘Sharing the Vision’ - as the successor to ‘A Vision for Change’.  This carries forward those elements of the original policy that still have relevance in-light of expert opinion.  It incorporates new recommendations to enhance national policy while, simultaneously, aligning with the ten-year vision for reform and transformation of Ireland’s health and social care services encapsulated in the Sláintecare report.  Sharing the Vision focuses on developing a broad-based mental health policy for the whole of the population.  A large-scale consultation process informed the recommendations in this policy, and it directly engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including people with personal experience, family members, community and voluntary sector groups and staff.  Download this document at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2e46f-sharing-the-vision-a-mental-health-policy-for-everyone

Age Friendly Network NI and the Public Health Agency have produced a 'Keeping Well at Home' booklet for older people who are self-isolating during COVID-19.  This free resource is targeted at those who are unable to go outside, or have limited / no access to online resources.  The booklet contains practical information on: home exercises; mental wellbeing; staying safe from scammers; safety in the home; nutrition and hydration; managing your energy supplies; and useful contacts.  An electronic copy of this publication can be downloaded at: www.makinglifebettertogether.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Keeping-Well-at-Home-July-2020.pdf  and hard copies can be ordered from AGE NI.  Age NI has also teamed-up with Mary Peters to launch 'Move with Mary' - an exercise programme aimed specifically at keeping older people moving during the extended Covid-19 period.  Check it out at: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZgroTgDNfIDglYTD44VfnFwP-sOUyr8T

Although young people are estimated to have the lowest mortality rates from COVID-19, they are not immune to its consequences.  LGBTI+ young people didn't stop experiencing crises during the current pandemic.  Many felt even more isolated from their support networks.  Some experienced emotional and physical abuse.  Many felt alone, scared and anxious.  It had an impact on their mental and physical health.  BeLonG To Youth Services conducted a ‘LGBTI+ Life in Lockdown’ survey to try to understand what life is like for LGBTI+ youth during the pandemic, in order to provide the most appropriate support to them.  You can read the findings at: https://belongto.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/LGBTI-Life-in-Lockdown-Key-Findings.pdf

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.  It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus.  This is spread in sneeze or cough droplets, and infects you via your eyes, nose or mouth.  However, there’s a lot of false information being circulated, so it’s crucial to follow the official up-to-date guidance from the Health Service Executive in the Republic of Ireland (https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus) and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland (https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus).  Everyone's lives and daily routines are affected by the measures that have been introduced to disrupt the spread of the virus, and keep us all safe.  It's normal to be worried or to feel stressed during this difficult time, but there are many things we can do to help us mind our mental health and wellbeing.  Start by checking out: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together

In recognition of both Carers Week (8th-14th June), and Men’s Health Week (15th-21st June) 2020, a research group in Ulster University (UU) launched the findings of a three year study exploring the impact of support services in identifying and meeting the needs of older male caregivers.  The research team, led by Dr Anne Fee and Professors Sonia McIlfatrick and Assumpta Ryan from the Institute of Nursing and Health Research at UU, believe that the necessity to raise awareness of, and to support, male carers is more crucial now than ever - as this is a sub-group whose support needs are not commonly understood.  The report can be downloaded at: www.mhfi.org/OlderMaleCaregivers.pdf

The Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic appears to be having a disproportionate impact upon men.  While there is a broadly similar incidence and prevalence rate to women, men: are faster at developing serious illness; recover slower from the virus; and have a higher death rate.  There is also a broad range of mental health and social impacts upon males and the wider community which are a cause for concern.  To find out more about this situation, visit: www.mhfi.org/coronavirus.html