Government is urging people to use antibiotics responsibly and dispose of out-of-date medication during Public Health Week this year.The Ministry of Health will recognise Public Health Week from yesterday to Thursday.This year’s theme is ‘Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work’.A spokeswoman for the Ministry said antibiotics are among the most misused of all medicines.She added: “Improving antibiotic use decisions ultimately involves guiding treatment decisions made by patients and health care providers.“The Department of Health is asking health care providers to take the time to educate patients about antibiotic resistance and the potential serious side effects.”The Department is also reaching out to the public via advertisements, fact sheets, brochures, poster, radio spots and media interviews.On Tuesday the Ministry hopes the public will turn in expired medications to local pharmacies for proper disposal. The mascot for the Department of Health, ‘Bermy Germy’, will be on hand at the Hamilton Pharmacy at noon to encourage people to drop-off their old medications.The first 30 persons to bring in unused or expired medications will receive a special gift.The Public Health Awards, recognising people who have made a difference in the sector, will be presented on Wednesday.The annual Argus Health Fair will cap off the week on World Health Day on Thursday. The event is organised by Department of Health, Argus and the Bermuda Hospitals Board.It will be held from 10.30am until 4pm on the sixth floor of the new Argus Building on Wesley Street, Hamilton.The public is invited to attend for information on a range of health-related issues.Useful websites:www.health.gov.bmwww.argus.bm