A Delta woman is speaking out to inspire others. Amanda Mackie knows first hand how hard it is to quit smoking.
"I started smoking when I was 12. We'd just moved to B.C. from Winnipeg and I didn't know anyone," she says. "My mom had to work, so while she was at the office, I'd smoke her cigarettes. Before you know it I was hooked."
The B.C. Lung Association spends a lot of time trying to give people the support they need to help them quit smoking, and recently decided to offer a little extra incentive.
The association launched an online "Quit & Win" contest through its province-wide smoking-cessation program QuitNow. ca. The contest challenges women to quit for one full week (June 2 to 8) for a chance to win $1,000 cash. Learn more at contest.quitnow.ca.
Like many who have smoked for a long time, Mackie still battles cravings and occasionally slips, but she doesn't intend to give up trying.
"The truth is I'm a work in progress. I've been quitting for the last five years - no lie. The toughest part is when I'm out socializing, partying with friends and enjoying a drink. I can't separate the two completely yet - drinking and smoking - but I'm getting there."
According to experts, it's perfectly normal to try quitting multiple times before kicking the habit for good, and for some, including Mackie, what can help is cutting back gradually.
"There were times I used to smoke a lot, probably a pack a day. What worked for me was weaning cigarettes out over time. Before I quit, I was down to a point where a pack of smokes would last me a week."
As for motivation, Mackie said, "My main reasons for quitting are: health first, vanity second and money third. I worry about getting sick and how my smoking could affect my appearance. And I sure appreciate all the money I save now that I'm not buying cigarettes."
For those still trying to quit, Mackie offers encouragement: "Don't give up, I'm not. If you have a cigarette it doesn't mean you failed, it's just a setback, so keep on trying. That's my motto."
