Plenty of good reasons to quit smoking

KICKED IT: Masterton woman Sharee Humphreys feels so much healthier since she stopped smoking two years ago. PHOTO/CHERIE TAYLOR

Getting into trouble for smoking as a teenager was something which plagued Sharee Humphreys growing up.

It soon became such a habit she was getting through a packet a day.

But two years ago the Masterton 45-year-old decided to kick the habit and hasn't looked back.

Not an easy thing for a smoker to do, according to a Masterton quit smoking programme manager who says only about 35 per cent of those who attempt to quit actually stay smoke-free.

Miss Humphreys said it wasn't easy to stop smoking but it had become too expensive to keep the habit going.

"I just drunk a lot of water. Every time I wanted to have a ciggie I just had a glass of water," she said.

Life is much better without being tied to a lighter and cigarette, she reckons.

Even food tastes much nicer to her now.

"I'm much happier now. I was always getting into trouble for smoking growing up but I was addicted," she said. "I just decided it was a waste of money."

The bonuses of quitting are immense too.

"I couldn't taste food much when I was smoking ... I have more money now and I'm saving to go on holiday to Palmerston North to see my mother ... I don't have to go outside standing in the cold and wet to have a smoke. My clothes don't smell of nicotine any more. It's nice. I feel so much healthier. I'm never going back to smoking."

Being awarded a Wairarapa Aukati Smokefree certificate recently, she is very proud and hopes other smokers follow her lead to a healthier lifestyle.

However, quitting isn't such an easy a thing to do, according to Masterton Whaiora Medical Centre's Aukati KaiPaipa quit smoking programme manager Adam Bain.

Every year between 220 and 240 people attempt the centre's programme with about 35 per cent of those who tried to stop being successful, Mr Bain said.

The best way to ensure success was to get support through a programme where one-on-one support was offered leading to "long term success".

"People fall off the wagon but if they have someone to talk them through the steps and their quit smoking status, it helps them," he said.

Nicotine replacement helps immensely too. "A lot of people attempt to quit but it's the nicotine that makes it so hard for them to give up. It's the most addictive substance there is."If you want help call Quit Line on (freephone) 0800 778 778 or join Whaiora Medical Centre's quit smoking programme. Phone them on (06) 370 0818.