Smoking Cessation Adviser Margaret Garner has big plans: “We’ll have a buffet and chat before we go on to explain some of the side effects of smoking. We have some very visual presentations that show smokers exactly what they’re doing to their bodies. There will also be an opportunity for people attending to have a quick health check including blood pressure, body composition, lung function, hand grip strength, and a cholesterol test. “I smoked for 22 years but quit 18 years ago. I wish I’d never started. People trying to stop like the fact that I used to smoke because I know how hard it can be. I know what they’re going through and I’m living proof that you can change your habits and live a better life. “This time of year can be particularly challenging; you might be more stressed about the festive period, you tend to socialise more, and there is sometimes more alcohol involved which can fuel the desire to smoke. This is why we think having a friend who has quit or wants to quit is one way forward; they can offer invaluable support and advice.”
In Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey 2000 people have quit smoking since June 2006. On average 50% of people who use the service manage to quit; twice the national average.
Sixty-two year old James Stewart from Boat of Garten had his right leg amputated below the knee. He has diabetes and other complications that are made worse by smoking. He said: “If you want to quit you have to get your mind straight before you try to stop. I only realised after I gave up how often I reached for the cigarettes; I would regularly only smoke half or three-quarters of a cigarette because I’d have lit it before I realised. “My wife and sons are over the moon that I’ve quit. I’ve already bought a computer with the money that I’ve saved. I can breathe better, I feel much happier because we’re saving money and no-one is nagging at me to quit. My clothes don’t smell of stale smoke. I didn’t realise how much time I was wasting before either; now I’ve got enough time to read if I want. “Knowing that Margaret [Garner] was there to support me if I got tempted to light up was out of this world. When I first tried to quit I sneaked a couple of cigarettes but they made me feel sick and I felt guilty about them; I was letting everyone down. Now I feel like I’ve put at least an extra ten years back on my life. I’d urge anyone who is thinking about quitting to get support and just go for it.”
If you live in Badenoch and Strathspey and want to stop smoking call Margaret Garner on 01667 493 610. To find a smoking cessation clinic in another area of the Highlands call 0845 757 3077.
November is also lung cancer awareness month. In Highland in 2007 171 people were diagnosed with lung cancer. If you want to stop smoking and need some support from people who have, go along to the Talla nan Ros hall (King Street) in Kingussie from 11am on Saturday, November 15th.
