May 15, 2009
Janet Aketachaunak of Emmonak has been tobacco free for more than six years.
Happy to be tobacco free!
Hello! It has been six-plus years since I had my last cigarette! When I was asked by my provider if I was interested in quitting, I was hesitant. I thought, "It won't happen," but I said yes and was referred to the Yukon-Kuskowim Health Corporation's Nicotine Control Program.
The Nicotine Dependence Counselor worked with me and gave me some options on what I needed to get started on my quit attempt. I chose the Zyban and the Nicotine Patch. I started with the Zyban to slow me down and when I cut down to half a cigarette a day, I quit. I put the patch on and never smoked again. It's not hard, you just have to believe that you want to quit.
I do not miss smoking; it stinks. Now I can hardly breathe the secondhand smoke when I'm around it.
I encourage everyone who smokes or chews to quit. It's healthier. My husband used to call me a walking ashtray. I smelled like one. Not any more! The program-it actually works.
Happy to be tobacco free!
-Janet Aketachunak, Emmonak, Alaska
