Travis's story was in the Health Snippits in tonight's St. Albans Messenger. I don't know who wrote the story or who took the photo and probably somewhat surprising to many of you, I do read The Health Snippits. This particular story peaked my interest as I quit smoking a number of years ago and thought it might be an opportunity for some of you to post some of your own experiences in quitting smoking, what worked and what didn't. One thing I did notice is that Travis from the photo did not gain the 10% weight or even more that many of us did when we quit. Congratulations Travis - and just remember, just one cigarette can get you back off the wagon.Fairfax dad smoke-free for his kids
FAIRFAX — Each month, the Franklin Grand Isle Tobacco Prevention Coalition and the Vermont Quit Network at NMC has been highlighting a different quitter to help share the many different ways that folks are able to quit smoking.
This month, Travis Jones shares his quit story.
Travis, a 32-year-old father of two living in Fairfax, hasn't smoked since the birth of his first child.
His own health and the health of his family were his personal motivations to make a quit attempt. And, according to Travis, "This was my first serious attempt at quitting. I had mades two or three half hearted attempts preceding this one. What strategies and techniques did he use to make this attempt a successful one?
"I started with selecting a quit date and as time went on, I intentionally added road blocks to having a smoke like no smoking in the car, house or around family members," he said.
It wasn't all an easy path, however.
Travis said he hit roadblocks along the way and had to come up with ways he could handle them.
"Avoiding the triggers was the biggie. I had a newborn at home so going out to the night spots was easy to avoid. While at home, I made a decision not to smoke around my wife or child so as long as I was spending time with them, I didn't smoke. As for driving time, I started chewing gum or drinking water during my commuting time."
Travis' tip for others making a quit attempt?
"It's all about discipline... make the rules and stick to them."
If you or someone you know is thinking about making a quit attempt, think about using the Vermont Quit Network's free services to provide you tips, techniques and support in making this quit attempt your most successful.
To contact the Vermont Quit Network, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669, phone-only), 524-8831 (NMC, in-person) or visit its Web site (www.vtquitnetwork.org).
