I’m determined to quit for good
Murad Ali, 48, has tried to stop smoking a number of times. Now, with support from the Quit Well Smoking service at Newham Hospital, he’s managed to quit once more.
“I started smoking in 2000. There were a few times that I tried to stop but I didn’t always stick to it. I did manage to quit for a long period of time – seven years in fact – between 2012 and 2019, but I then started smoking again.
“Since 2019, I’ve been smoking around four or five cigarettes every day. It might not sound like a lot, but even a small number of cigarettes has a negative impact on your health. I had been thinking about giving up again, but never really made the effort.
“Then, in October, I was at Newham Hospital when I saw an information stand about Stoptober. I went over and spoke to a member of the team at the stall, and made the decision to try and quite once more. I wanted to stop smoking to improve my own health (I have high cholesterol and hypertension) and the health of my family – my daughter’s has asthma and I know second-hand smoke is damaging. I also want to be a positive influence on my children and not have them growing up thinking it’s a good idea to smoke.
I've already noticed the difference
“After my initial conversation with the team at the hospital, and with support from Quit Well Stop Smoking Service, I had my last cigarette on the 5th November. Since then I’ve been chewing nicotine replacement gum as per the advice of the service and I’ve been receiving motivational telephone support.
“I’ve only been off the cigarettes for a few weeks, but I’ve already noticed the difference and an improvement in my health. My breathing has improved and I can swim for longer without feeling breathless. I’m also saving a lot of money which is great – it means I have more to spend on my family which makes me happy.
“I’m extremely happy with the support I’ve received from the Quit Well Stop Smoking service that I initially got at Newham Hospital and have continued to receive since then. With their support, I found it easier to quit to this around. I’m delighted with the regular telephone calls to monitor my progress and with the range of stop smoking medications available to me. It really helps keep me motivate, knowing there are people out there that I want to quit for and who want to help me quit. This time, I’m determined to quit for good."
Quit Well Stop Smoking clinics take place at Newham Hospital every Tuesday in Health Central and can be used by patients and their family members. If you are a patient at Newham Hospital and you or a member of your family would like to use these servies, please speak to your medical team and they will make arrangements for you.
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