Worsening rheumatoid arthritis and becoming a great grandmother for the first time were Jadwiga’s big reasons to quit. With World No Tobacco Day at the end of May, Jadwiga was nominated by her advisor, Joe who supported her to kick the smoking habit she’d started as a child in her home country of Poland 60 years ago.
The 71-year-old moved to Derby eight years ago and didn’t believe she could give up her 10 cigarettes a day. Her daughter, Kasia recommended she get professional help from Livewell after quitting herself with the service’s support in 2017 so she booked her a phone appointment.
Joe suggested Jadwiga try a combination of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products – patches to provide a steady supply of nicotine throughout the day and fast-acting mouth spray and lozenges to combat cravings when they occurred. Livewell offers up to 10 weeks of free NRT collected from pop up clinics across Derby. It means that clients like Jadwiga don’t need to pay themselves and can start saving money as soon as they quit.
To encourage Jadwiga to keep motivated, Joe sent weekly text messages, which Kasia translated into Polish as she explains:
“The dangers of second-hand smoking for children are more widely known and were the biggest reasons my mum wanted to quit. She wanted to hold her new great granddaughter, Lily without threatening the baby’s health. Mum’s own health was being compromised too. Smoking boosts inflammation and makes rheumatoid arthritis medication less effective which was another key factor in mum’s decision to give up.
Joe is continuing to do a fantastic job for my mum – checking in on how’s she’s doing and sending her text messages with advice and support. Having been through the journey myself, I can also help her through the urges. The free treatments combined with this support is helping mum to stay quit and now she’s through the toughest time and loves holding six-month-old Lily as a smokefree grandma, I know she won’t relapse. I’m very proud of her.
At the time of going to press, Jadwiga is celebrating 10 weeks smoke free. She added:
“Since stopping smoking, my medication side affects have eased and it works better in reducing my joint pain. I enjoy cuddling Lily knowing I’m not exposing her to toxins which could be left on my clothes if I was still smoking, even though I never smoked in the house. My sleep has improved, and I have more free time for my hobbies and family.
For smokers in Derby thinking about stopping – World No Tobacco Day on 31 May is the perfect opportunity. Livewell is free, friendly and can greatly boost your chances of quitting for good.”
Inspired to quit?
Book your phone appointment on the Livewell website to get started.
