Sam

Sam* was fed up of being a smoker and decided to quit for her kids and her health!

How old were you when you started smoking?

15 years old!

How many years had you smoked?

For 30 years I've smoked around 10 to 15 cigarettes a day.

Why did you start smoking?

I started smoking due to peer pressure when in the company of my friends who were all smoking.

What were your reasons for quitting?

I was fed up and wanted to quit for my kids. I have heard that secondhand smoking is not good for the kids health, as well as my own. The other reason I want to quit is to improve my health and to be more fit.

Did you use stop smoking medication to help you quit?

As well as the one-to-one support from a stop smoking adviser, I also used nicotine patches alongside nicotine gum throughout my quit.

How helpful did you find it?

They were really helpful, especially when a craving hit!

Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit and stay smoke free?

The support from Better Living Trainer, Renuka. She helped me stay smoke free by supporting me with helpful tips and ways of staying quit. Renuka's motivation helped me not to give up and continue with my quit attempt. 

During my sessions with Renuka, I was motivated by watching my carbon monoxide come down after taking them weekly. I maintained a green light throughout the 8 weeks which indicated I'm a non-smoker, which made me very happy. 

Has your health improved since you quit?

Yes! Since stopping smoking, I have noticed that my persistent cough and recurring cold has not occurred as frequently! I have also noticed that my breathing has improved which is helping me feel happier and fresher. My frequent heartburn has disappeared and I've noticed a massive change in my mood. All in all, I'm feeling great!

Have you achieved anything since quitting that you couldn't do whilst smoking?

The plan is to take advantage of the Quit and Get Fit vouchers and join my local gym. With the money saved, I would also like to take my kids on holiday and spend more time with them.

What do you like about not smoking?

Now I'm not a smoker, I don't feel embarrassed in front of my kids. I'm spending more time with my kids, I'm saving money and my house is clean and fresh! My health continues to improve everyday and I'm feeling more energetic than ever.

What would you say to anyone who has recently started smoking? 

I would tell them smoking only does two things, it ruins your health and is only a financial burden. 

*names have been changed.