Sponsored by
Week 3: Lisa Williams’ Stoptober update
Worksop Guardian's Lisa Williams has started the NHS Stoptober initiative, helping smokers to quit. Lisa Williams pictured left with NHS Specialist Stop Smoking Advisor Kate Burley (w120925-5a)
THE figures speak for themselves.
After just 21 days of ditching the cigarettes, Guardian account manager Lisa Williams has saved £125 - enough to pay the Council Tax or gas and electricity bill for a month.
And despite coming down with a bad cold this week, the 34-year-old mum of two is already starting to see and feel the health benefits of giving up smoking for Stoptober.
“There are still times when I feel like giving in, but overall it’s getting easier as the days go on,” she said.
“I can’t believe how I actually used to manage to afford smoking, and it was great to have some money still left over before pay day.”
Bassetlaw specialist stop smoking advisor Kate Burley visited Lisa for her weekly check-up and was pleased to see her carbon monoxide levels had fallen to 1ppm - from 34ppm at the start of the challenge.
Lisa said she is having trouble sleeping but Kate said this is a common side-effect from giving up smoking.
“My skin is definitely less dry and my breathing is better but I am having trouble sleeping , waking up five to six times in the night and having trouble getting back off,” she said.
“Kate explained to me this is because my body is so used to getting a nicotine fix just before I go to bed that it’s just taking time to adjust.”
Lisa is also seeing the benefits at social occasions but knows there is a bigger challenge round the corner.
“We went to a family wedding at the weekend and for once it was nice to be able to join in the fun, instead of standing outside smoking,” she said.
“But we have got a work’s do coming and it’ll be the first time I will have a few drinks, so I am going to have to be really strong, and not let me resolve weaken.”
She added: “Kate has told me that it’s not the end of the world if I slip up, but I don’t think I am that strong - I will really feel like I have failed and let the side down.”
“But I have shown myself I can do it. We’ve had some stressful times at work recently when I normally would have had a cigarette to calm down, but I have managed to walk away.”
• If you would like help to stop smoking, it is not too late.
Bassetlaw Stop Smoking Service offers free help, advice and visits - just email bassetlaw.stopsmoking@nottscc.nhs.uk or call 0800 3288553.
You can also find out more about Stoptober and read Lisa’s online blog by visiting www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/stoptober
Email to a friend
Print this page- WOOLWICH TERROR ATTACK: Suspected murderer’s former Saxilby home is raided
- WOOLWICH TERROR ATTACK: Villagers’ shock at terror suspect Saxilby link
- Gainsborough paedophile with animal porn placed on sex register
- WOOLWICH TERROR ATTACK: Help For Heroes reaction to brutal killing of soldier in London
- WOOLWICH TERROR ATTACK: Suspected murderer’s former home on Hotchkin Avenue in Saxilby is raided
- Teens praised for ‘hard work and dedication’
- WOOLWICH TERROR ATTACK: Police warning over online comments
- Inside YOUR Gainsborough Standard this week (Thursday 11th April)
- Gainsborough MP, close friend of Margaret Thatcher, pays tribute to former Prime Minister
- Running and walking both good for your heart
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Gainsborough
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
