Ex-smoker shares quitting tips for World Smokefree Day

Ex-smoker shares quitting tips for World Smokefree Day

“Imagine if I’d smoked for the last 25 years, well I’d be dead I’m sure of it,” says Pauline Mohi.

World Smokefree Day will take place on 31 May, and the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is encouraging people across New Zealand to quit by raising awareness of how people can become Smokefree.

Pauline Mohi from Christchurch used to smoke up to 40 cigarettes a day, lighting one up for daily activities such as collecting the mail from the mailbox. Luckily, she experienced what she describes as “the biggest wakeup call” 25 years ago. She made a strong and determined decision to quit and hasn’t looked back since.

Pauline’s advice is, “You’ve got to believe that you’re worth being healthier and this is your life, and that you want the best for yourself.” Having a support network is also important for quitting. “Encouragement is huge. It would be great if people could say, hey you’re doing a fantastic thing here.”

Smoking causes numerous health issues, and is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke is also a common asthma trigger for anyone with mild to severe asthma. Having a smokefree environment in the home is strongly urged.

A Smokefree environment is incredibly important for 12-year-old Davis Herniman from Mt Maunganui. Davis has a type of severe, life-threatening asthma, called ‘brittle asthma’. To reduce the risk of smoke as a trigger, Mum Regina Walker has made their home in Mt Maunganui Smokefree.

Davis also indicates that second-hand smoke is a trigger for him, and says to people that are smoking, “That’s no good for you, especially around me.”

ENDS

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