Smokefree Month: Koleta’s Success in Quitting Smoking

This May marks World Smokefree Month, leading up to the celebration of World Smokefree Day on the 31st. It is a time to raise awareness around reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, growing the number of quit attempts, and contributing to the goal of being Smokefree in Aotearoa by 2025. 

Recently, we spoke to Koleta Fotuali’i, who joined Pacific Homecare’s Smoking Cessation Programme. The programme works to help those who are on their journey to quit smoking, providing support during this time.  

Starting at 13/14 years old due to peer pressure, Koleta shared how the habit stuck and later became a coping method for her. Here, we asked some questions about what led her to quit smoking and how that has changed her life. 

What made you quit smoking? 

“My health conditions, there were a lot of health conditions going on, there was a lot of health issues going on. Not only that, it was taking a lot of money out of my children’s mouths. So, these were the two main reasons [for quitting]”. 

How did the Smoking Cessation Programme with Sulu, our Smoking Cessation Navigator, help you to quit? 

“Just having that extra support person in the background just reminding you, hey, you’re doing well! Even though I kept self-criticising myself. Like if I had one, I’d be like, oh my gosh, you’re not going to do this. But, just having her [Sulu] say, hey I’m not here to judge you, I’m not here to tell you off. It’s just that kind of warm support that gave me extra motivation. So, on records, it’s like I’m doing good., It changed my mindset in some way”. 

Having a judgement-free space with a support person just there to cheer you on, regardless of the outcome, brought a sense of encouragement to Koleta. 

“There’s no judgment, nothing. Just having someone motivate you like hey you got this, you can do it. Someone cheering you on, that’s on your side for once. Of course, you have family and friends who are just like you’re not going to give up, you’re just going to go right back to it. You know, you don’t need to hear that stuff because you’re telling yourself that stuff on the daily”. 

This brought a new motivation for Koleta, urging her to do better for herself. “But Sulu’s support and encouragement, made me want to do better, even more for myself. Like, hey, it’s a challenge, I’m all for challenges and I feel a lot better now.” 

Has quitting smoking changed anything for you? 

“Back then I’d be coughing left right and centre, it was just the smoker’s cough and stuff. But I’ve noticed the change in it as well I’m not coughing as much anymore like I used to do…and my skin is changing in some ways. 

And my budget, I’m spending more money on food now. At least it’s going toward something that benefits the body and my family rather than [the smokes].” 

Were there any things that the programme gave you to use that helped? 

“Lozenges and gums! That actually helped. I did take the lozenges quite a lot, so it was quite helpful. I did come back for a restock and I still got some now…but I take them from time to time if I’m craving a ciggy.” 

Have you noticed that quitting smoking has impacted your family’s life in any way or the people around you? 

“In my own little family, yes. Those around me, no. But everyone moves in their own time. My kids have noticed it and they are a lot more happy that I’m not smoking. Because now, it’s giving me more time with them. I can run with them and do activities with them instead of running out of breath…So, yeah, it’s impacted my family, my children especially, in a good way.” 

What advice would you give someone who wants to quit smoking? 

“Be kind to yourself during your journey because it is quite challenging. We are sometimes the biggest critics you know. Just try and have a positive mindset. Don’t allow your mind to think negatively otherwise like you can’t do it…you can. That’s the only advice I’d give them. And they can do it and it is doable.”  

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