Cath O’Connell from Wistaston was made aware she had inherited a gene that can cause her arteries to clog, putting her at risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
She also had high cholesterol, so she wanted to take control of what she could and address these health concerns. After 40 years of smoking, she decided she really needed to stop and joined the Be Smoke Free programme at Easy Medical Centre in Crewe provided by One You Cheshire East.
“I had some private blood tests done, and the results came back that they weren’t the greatest. I went to my doctor and they sent me the link for the non-smoking programme.
I thought my health was okay before I took part. I knew I coughed quite bit, but apart from that I thought I was doing really well.
Since I’ve got to this non-smoking part, I feel that I can actually breath better. I’m not getting out of breath when I’m walking and I can walk a lot faster.”
Since joining the programme, Cath has noticed significant improvements in her mental and physical health. She is not as stressed and feels more relaxed, her heart rate is lower and she no longer plans her day around smoking, feeling more in control of her life.
“Smoking owned me and I felt quite up and down a lot during the day, whereas now I actually feel level.
I have tried to stop smoking before and I’ve failed, but with this, it actually gave me the confidence. I come here every week, and Karolina is like; no, you’re doing well, you’re doing brilliant, and it actually gave me the confidence that I am and I will do this”
Cath was offered various products to find ones suitable for her and to help with cravings. As well as having regular appointments to support her along the way and to track her progress.
Cath’s carbon monoxide levels have dropped significantly, when she first came it was 19 and she is now down to 2, reinforcing her amazing success and she is now 60 days smoke free.
“I just feel as though you’re not left on your own and you do have somebody that you can talk to during this time as well.
There is no need to feel nervous about taking part. It’s not a dictatorship; it’s you working with an advisor on what is best for you. You’re supported, you’re made to feel like a person and the advisors have the experience, they’ve been there themselves and you just get to talk to them like a friend each week,”
If you would like support to stop smoking, One You Cheshire East is here to support you when you’re ready, this free programme is available across Cheshire East and can be accessed face to face, online or over the telephone to suit you.
You can find out more here or call 0300 123 5026
Watch Cath’s video interview here.
One You Cheshire East is commissioned by Cheshire East Council and delivered by Everybody Health and Leisure.