HEALTH
Natalie Houston (right).
“Cigarettes cost me around £11.20 a packet; that’s over £4,000 a year.”
Could you kick it? Natalie currently works as a driver for Tesco and used to smoke a pack a day.
Natalie Houston has no doubt that the support she received from Telford & Wrekin Council’s healthy lifestyle advisor was the key that helped her quit smoking. Her main reason was medical, but the financial savings, at a time when the cost of living is soaring, were also important. She said: “My advisor provided a set of tips that gave me a clear and simple way to understand my cigarette habit. I was able to quit over the 12-week course and, even after a wobble, I used the tools to get right back on track. “I’d recommend them to anyone trying to quit smoking; the service is fantastic and they are brilliant at what they do.”
reason for quitting, she’s aware of how much difference it has made to her finances. “Like a lot of people, I pay for everything by card. And when you see your monthly card statement you realise just how much you are spending. “But if you are struggling financially, you turn to cigarettes to deal with the day-to-day stress of trying to make ends meet. It’s difficult for people, but if you reach out to the healthy lifestyle advisors, you’ve already taken the most important step. “Something has driven you to recognise you need help, and they can help you get the rest of the way.” Visit www.telford.gov.uk/healthylifestyles Email healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk Call 01952 382582 Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
“I started smoking in my teens and quit in my 20s, but I was never a non-smoker, the urge to smoke was always there. “I am currently transitioning to female; I came out in May 2021 and started smoking at weekend social events. Then I came home after a weekend in November ’21 and tested positive for Covid. I was stuck at home with a pack of cigarettes. I was soon back up to 20 a day habit. “Part of my transition involves HRT treatment – hormone replacement therapy – but a condition of the treatment is that you must be a non-smoker. My GP recommended the council’s Healthy Lifestyle Service. The way my advisor was able to explain my cigarette habit was amazing. “It’s simple and it works. And the support from the team has made all the difference. I don’t think I could have quit without them.” Although saving money wasn’t Natalie main
Take the pledge & feel happier and healthier
The cost of living crisis brings many challenges for us all, and like the pandemic, it will take its toll on our mental health. But, what if there was someone in your corner to turn to for help, advice and to remind you of your goals? Our healthy lifestyle advisors can make a massive difference to your health and wellbeing. If you live or work in Telford and Wrekin, the council’s team of advisors can help you get you started with the positive changes you have always wanted to make – for free and in confidence. You could also take the Wellbeing Pledge – an initiative that people can sign up to and receive a set of simple, evidence-based tips and helpful reminders straight to their email inbox – all for free! Thousands of people are already living healthier lives thanks to the expertise of our advisors.
Need help to: • lose weight
• stop smoking • exercise more • drink less alcohol • eat better
• improve your wellbeing • lower your blood pressure and cholesterol • reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Join the Year of Wellbeing today: www.telford.gov.uk/joinyearofwellbeing
The most stressful thoughts in people’s minds relate to work. Councillors Kelly Middleton and Amrik Jhawar have seen the difference following simple steps can make with building a healthy mind set.
TOTALLY TELFORD
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