“Imagine if I’d smoked for the last 25 years, well I’d be dead I’m sure of it,” Pauline Mohi said.
World Smoke-free Day will take place on May 31, and the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand is encouraging people across New Zealand to quit by raising awareness of how people can become smoke-free.
Ms 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 have to believe that you are worth being healthier and this is your life, and that you want the best for yourself.”
Support Network
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 smoke-free environment in the home is strongly urged.
Severe Asthma
A Smoke-free 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 Smoke-free.
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.”
Pauline Mohi is the recipient of the COPD Achievers Award 2016, and Davis Herniman and Regina Walker are the recipients of the Cody Forbes Award for Courage 2016, presented at the New Zealand Respiratory Awards.
Full article and hi-res images of Pauline Mohi’s Nine ways to quit smoking article available here
Full article and hi-res images of Regina Walker and Davis Herniman’s Smoke free home article available here
Images to use for social media available here #smokefreenz
Video about Davis and Regina available here
New Zealand smoking statistics available here
New Zealand respiratory statistics available here
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