Quit because you can
Maggie was just 12 years old when she tried her first cigarette, and 14 when she took up smoking. It was a habit that would stay with her for decades.
But earlier this year, Maggie found herself in hospital at The Alfred coughing up blood. It was the push she needed to try quitting for good.
With the constant support of the team at The Alfred Smoke Free Clinic, Maggie has been able to quit – and stay quit – for almost three months.
“I have a two-year-old granddaughter and I want to be a good role model for her, I also want to be around for her,” Maggie said.
“I’ve tried to quit in the past and just using patches didn’t work for me. The support from the Smoke Free Clinic has been really good. Having people there and getting encouragement makes me stay on the right track.”
Since 2013, The Alfred outpatient Smoke Free Clinic has been providing specialised support for patients who are nicotine dependent, associated with their health issues.
Linda Bradford, Smoking Cessation Specialist, said pharmacists at the clinic provide intensive behavioural support and a range of quitting medications to help patients reduce and quit smoking.
“It's fantastic to see our staff starting the conversation about quitting with their patients and offer of support to help them reach their goal. This conversation has been life-changing for so many of our patients,” Linda said.
“We also have an extensive support program for Alfred Health staff, which has been really successful. Never give up giving up!”
For Maggie, the social side of quitting has been the hardest but she’s glad she’s stuck to it.
“Instead of smoking, I do craft, read the paper, do puzzles – anything to distract my mind,” she said.
“I see the smokers huddled out in the cold and the rain, I don’t miss that.”
If you’d like to know more about how Alfred Health can help you quit smoking, visit the website.
