Young people FaceUp to lifestyle choices

Big Brother finalist Ashleigh Coyle tries out the new Cancer Focus NI FaceUp app a fun, pop-up-style cartoon that shows young people the downside of too many calories and too much alcohol.

It is available for download on iPhone and a selection of android devices and can be shared on Facebook.

Big Brother finalist Ashleigh Coyle was one of the first to test-run the new app.

She said: “Working as a model, you realise how important it is to look – and feel - your best. My health is so important to me, both now and in the future, so I try to get plenty of exercise and watch my diet.

“Your health is the most valuable asset you’ll ever have so you need to look after it. Cancer Focus NI has come up with an excellent, fun way to encourage young people to take better care of themselves, so please download the new app and have a laugh but, most importantly, take those vital steps to improve your lifestyle and cut your chances of getting cancer in the years to come!”

Niamh McDaid, Cancer Prevention Officer, Cancer Focus NI, said: “All you have to do is take a few photos of yourself on your phone or from your photo gallery, pick your lifestyle habits from a list and press a button. The app will transform you in a fun way to show how you could look in the future if you go on making poor choices with food and alcohol.

“You’ll be able to post the images on Facebook. In some case it won’t be a pretty picture - but it’ll definitely get a laugh from your friends. Behind the joke is a serious message – the app also highlights some of the cancers you could get.”