The start of 2021 marked a fresh beginning for 46-year-old Kerry Little. Concerned about her health and being able to run around after her first grandchild, Kerry decided the time was right to stop smoking, so she joined Livewell to get the free support she needed to achieve her goal.

Kerry suffers with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) – a rare, inherited condition, which can cause lung and liver problems, putting her at a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) especially because she smokes. She also has Fibromyalgia which causes pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness and other symptoms.

Advisor, Sufyaan nominated Kerry for her drive and commitment to beat her 35-year smoking habit and make other lifestyle changes.

“I was getting more out of breath doing every-day things like walking upstairs. The asthma nurse suggested quitting or moving onto stronger medication.  I was worried about developing COPD and didn’t want to be reliant on steroid inhalers. With our first grandchild on the way this summer, I wanted to be in the best health for keeping up with him as he grows so I made a pledge to myself to quit.

My phone appointment with advisor, Sufyaan went well. We discussed my smoking habit and my health. He suggested I try Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches which were delivered to my home every two weeks. 

I set a quit date and prepared myself mentally by building up my will power and planning things to do to keep me focussed. I didn’t realise the patches were part of the free service so that spurred me on even more and I liked the fact that I was saving money right from the start. I treated myself at the end of every week with the money I’d saved – little rewards like a new top, bath salts or a face cream. Suf also checked in on me and encouraged me to keep going.

I’m nearly 8 weeks smoke-free now and so much has changed already.  Foods taste and smell so much nicer and I’m no longer breathless going upstairs. It’s been hard but I’m so pleased with myself for quitting – I can’t believe I’ve done it. It’s built my confidence to tackle other habits like stopping drinking alcohol, doing a bit more exercise and eating better.  I’ve taken up Tai Chi and I’m committed to a 100-day challenge. These are all things I wouldn’t have tried before.

My family are so proud of me and I can’t wait to cuddle my new grandson as a healthier, non-smoking grandma!"

Plan your quit attempt by setting a date and building up your will power in the stages before. Make a plan of things to do when cravings strike like distractions, exercise or seeking support from your advisor.  Tell your friends and family so they can support you. I changed my daily routine before my quit date so I was mentally prepared.

You’re three times more likely to quit for good with support from a specialist service like Livewell. Book your phone appointment today.