HEALTHWISE: Colin has quit the habit, for good

A 69-year-old man from Cootehill is celebrating 10 months off the cigarettes and is encouraging others to kick the habit for good.

Colin Hall decided to quit smoking in January 2023 after receiving a COPD diagnosis.

Last Wednesday, November 15, marked World COPD Day and, co-incidentally, marked 10 months since Colin had his last cigarette.

Colin had been smoking tobacco for over 40 years, consuming around 25 cigarettes a day. With the fear of failure looming over him, Colin contacted the free HSE Stop Smoking Service in Cavan for assistance.

His biggest obstacle was the thought of failing. As a long-time tobacco user, Colin was struggling to imagine life without cigarettes.

His first consultation with Stop Smoking Advisor Caoimhe at the Darley Health Centre in Cootehill was a turning point.

During this session, Colin learned about behavioural support and the free nicotine replacement products available through the service.

QUIT DATE

After three weeks, Colin set his quit date and began using patches and mouth spray provided by the service.

“The patches and spray really supported me with my journey. They allowed me to stay on top of my cravings and were discreet and easy to use during my busy days. Once I started them, I never looked back.”

Colin felt better within just 10 days, with improvements in his breathing and energy levels.

Over the next 12 weeks, Colin received both face-to-face and remote support from Caoimhe.

He would visit every two to four weeks to get his carbon monoxide levels checked.

Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, Colin’s carbon monoxide levels fell within the “green zone,” - a sign that his quit journey was working.

By the end of the 12 weeks, Colin was free from cigarettes and no longer needed nicotine products.

As Colin approaches his 70th birthday, he is proud to have quit smoking and encourages others to do the same.

“It is never too late to quit,” he says and recommends reaching out to your local Stop Smoking Service for support.

Take the HSE 28-Day No Smoking Challenge.

Join the fight against smoking and kickstart your personal journey to quit.

By abstaining from smoking for 28 days, you increase your chances of quitting for good by five times.

SUPPORT