This Stoptober, we’re sharing Korin’s journey. From taking the initial first steps himself to become smoke-free, to now helping others to do the same.
Korin is 34, a father of three and has worked for the NHS for the last 10 years. He began smoking when he was around 12 years old.
For Korin, the journey began during a stop smoking education session at the Pulmonary Centre. At the time, Korin had recently changed roles and was working alongside the Respiratory Team and Tuberculosis Service, supporting patients through Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Although he was already familiar with the health risks of smoking through his work, Korin had reached a point where he felt ready to take action. After smoking continuously from a young age, he was beginning to notice the effects it was having on his body.
“For me personally, I just felt it was time. After smoking from a young age continuously, I was now starting to feel the effects it was causing to my body.”
As a father, Korin also had another motivation to quit.
“Seeing the long-term effects of smoking in my patients made me realise that it was not worth it, and that I would like to live a long life for my children also.”
As part of the session, Korin was encouraged to take a carbon monoxide (CO) reading. The result was high, prompting him to seek support through Total Wellbeing Luton’s Stop Smoking Service.
For Korin, seeing the results of the CO reading made the impact of smoking feel much more real.
“It was just the first time I had seen the impact of smoking right there in my face and it doesn’t lie! It just made me realise what it is doing to my body.”
Taking the first step
Following his initial appointment, Korin began meeting regularly with the Stop Smoking team at the community clinic at Luton Central Library.
At the time, Korin had been smoking around 5-10 cigarettes a day for more than 20 years.
Keen to get started, Korin began using a vape as part of his quit attempt and stopped smoking straight away.
While quitting was challenging at first, Korin found that using a vape helped him manage the cravings and break the routines he had built around smoking.
“Quitting was challenging and there were cravings to begin with initially. I had become so used to smoking as part of my daily routine it was hard when I had to stop those habits.”
“Using the vape really helped trick the brain into thinking I was still smoking. It wasn’t exactly the same, but it was good enough.”
He continued to have weekly appointments with Izabela, Stop Smoking Specialist for Total Wellbeing Luton, where he received face-to-face support and CO monitoring. This consistent support helped Korin stay focused and gave him the encouragement and motivation he needed throughout his quit journey.
“Having them in your corner is just what you need when you are finding it hard.”
Alongside the support from the Stop Smoking team, Korin found that exercise also helped him stay on track.
Exercise also became an important part of Korin’s journey. He took on the Couch to 5k challenge and, although he initially struggled with tiredness and shortness of breath, he began to notice improvements as he continued.
“Initially it was tough! I couldn’t run far or for very long, but I kept at it and eventually I could feel the difference. It became easier, less tiring and my recovery was quicker.”
Korin eventually completed 5K and began going to the gym twice a week, helping him see the changes in his health and fitness first-hand.
From client to helping others
As Korin’s own experience of stopping smoking grew, so did his involvement in helping others to quit.
The Stop Smoking team would regularly visit Pulmonary Rehabilitation to deliver presentations, which was how Korin first became familiar with the team.
After completing further training and gaining more experience, Korin is now able to refer people and offer stop smoking advice as part of his daily role. He also delivers the Stop Smoking presentation for Pulmonary Rehabilitation himself.
Today, Korin is part of the wider Total Wellbeing Luton Stop Smoking Team, supporting other people who want to quit smoking.
Having experienced the service himself, Korin understands first-hand how valuable the right support, motivation and encouragement can be when trying to quit.
“It’s amazing to know you can really change someone’s life.”
Korin’s own experience now gives him an opportunity to use what he has learned to support others taking their first steps towards becoming smoke-free. His journey has come full circle.
Ready to make a change?
This Stoptober, take the first step towards becoming smoke-free.
As Korin knows from his own experience, quitting can have its challenges, but the right support can help you keep going.
“I would say believe and be kind to yourself. As someone who never thought they would quit, I can say you can do it! Just be aware that there will be ups and downs but if you persist you can do it!”