CPNI this week announced the launch of its ‘move more, feel better’ campaign which highlights the role pharmacy teams can play in “providing advice and support to help people get more active”.
Running in “over 500 community pharmacies” in Northern Ireland, the campaign will last until September and will work to encourage people to “get more physically active in their everyday lives”, the body said.
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It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Department of Health (DoH) and will see “campaign displays” and leaflets in participating pharmacies containing tips on “how to become more active”, it added.
The initiative “aims to raise awareness of the many physical and mental health benefits of being more active” and highlights how “simple, small changes to daily routines can make a big difference”, CPNI said.
“The message is clear, every movement counts”, it added.
“Never too late to start”
PHA health improvement manager David Tumilty said that “through this campaign, we want to remind people that physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing – and it’s never too late to start”.
And Patrick Kennedy, a community pharmacist from Kennedy’s Pharmacy in Rasharkin, said that “as pharmacists, we’re in a great position to talk to people about their health, and we see first-hand how even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact”.
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“Small changes like walking more or reducing sedentary time can have a big impact on overall health,” he said.
“The first step is simple, just ask your pharmacist for advice – we’re here to help you get started,” Kennedy added.
