Joey quit smoking after fifty years
Local man Joey O'Rourke has praised the HSE Community Stop Smoking Service as he celebrates 12 weeks smoke-free after 50 years of smoking.
Today Joey is proud to call himself a non-smoker with the help of the Cavan/Monaghan Stop Smoking Service. Almost three months after quitting with the support of the free HSE service, Joey says he is “feeling better than ever”.
Over the last number of years, Joey began having issues with his breathing and decided enough was enough, he sought help and joined the free HSE Cavan Community Stop Smoking Service. Now 12 weeks on, he is already feeling the difference to his overall health.
“I thought when I was coming here it was a waste of time,” he admits. "But, when I met with Shelley, she explained the whole process step by step. She didn’t just explain how smoking could help by breathing but also how it could change my whole life for the better," continues Joey.
They looked at his habits and routines and began with small changes. "She encouraged me to start walking and eating regular meals. Now I’m starting my morning with breakfast and a walk, something I would have never done before.
"Food tastes better and I’m eating foods I never tried before. Until I stopped smoking I couldn’t even walk to the top of my stairs without taking a break, now I’m enjoying walks outdoors with my family," reveals Joey.
He said the support made a big difference to his efforts to quit. "The regular phone calls and appointments with Shelley really helped.
There was a clear plan and that helped me keep on track. It was brilliant to have a clinic here in town in Cavan. I don’t drive, so being able to have something so local was a great help," he says.
"It’s not easy when you’re a smoker, it’s hard to do it on your own. If you’re thinking about quitting my advice is to get in contact straight away," encourages Joey.
Thinking about quitting?
Stop Smoking Advisor Shelley Mahon explains: "We are here to help you on that journey; you don’t need to 'feel ready', you just need to decide to take the first step and have a chat with one of our friendly advisors."