Public Health England (PHE) has launched a new adult health behaviour change programme to help adults live longer, healthier and happier lives.

The campaign will focus on seven key lifestyle behaviours: check yourself; be smoke free; eat well; move more; drink less; stress less and sleep better; and support people to make simple changes.

PHE is calling on community pharmacy contractors to support this campaign.

Many adults can expect to live into their mid-80s. Far too many people believe that a gradual deterioration in physical and mental health is an inevitable part of aging. However, so much of ageing is down to the lifestyles that people adopt.

As the NHS Five Year Forward View made very clear, the nation has to get serious about prevention. Without such a focus, recent improvements in tackling life expectancies will stall and health inequalities will deepen.

A toolkit has been developed for contractors to help community pharmacy teams promote health and wellbeing messages in their pharmacies. It also provides a great platform for teams to initiate conversations with customers and patients about lifestyle behaviours and encourage them to do something about their health before it’s too late.

The toolkit will include: 50 x conversations starters; 1 x leaflet dispenser; 2 x window clings; 1 x poster; 1 x counter card; and 2 x shelf barkers.

You can place an order for a toolkit by calling 0300 123 1019. The order line will be open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, until 8th May or while stocks last.