Over 500 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland have launched a campaign to encourage people to get more physically active in their everyday lives.
The campaign ‘Move More, Feel Better’ is part of the Living Well service, which highlights the role of pharmacies in providing advice and support to help people get more active.
It is being organised by the Public Health Agency, Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the many physical and mental health benefits of being more active – and how simple, small changes to daily routines can make a big difference.
This could mean taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking or cycling instead of driving, or even getting off the bus a stop early.
Pharmacies will display campaign materials and offer leaflets with practical tips on how to become more active.
The staff will also be on hand to offer further advice and support to help individuals make changes that suit their lifestyle.
CPNI said the ‘Move More, Feel Better’ campaign also highlights how physical activity can improve mental health and quality of life, boost energy levels and confidence, ease joint and back pain, and help with weight management.
David Tumilty, Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, said, “Being active doesn’t mean spending hours in the gym – it’s about finding small opportunities to move more each day. Even a little bit of regular activity can boost your mood, reduce stress, improve sleep, and help manage or prevent conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers."
He said the campaign wants to remind people that it’s never too late to start.
