Give up smoking and help your heart

A man who had a heart attack in December has given up smoking to help aid his recovery.

Harry Bailey, aged 61, of Haverfordwest, suffered a heart attack on December 10. He had previously smoked off and on for about 50 years.

He said: “I remember smoking at junior school, I have given up many a time, sometimes even for a year.

“I know this is the biggest thing I can do to improve my health, I have three grandchildren and I want to see them grow up.

“I have been told if I carry on smoking I have a 50 per cent chance of another heart attack.”

Although having given up before Harry is determined he has had his last cigarette and is using a nicotine inhalator to help him give up for good.

He said: “My life used to revolve around smoking, now I am already finding I cough less in the morning and at night.”

Harry is now also attending cardiac rehabilitation sessions to help him increase his exercise and learn more about healthy living.

The Health Board is committed to helping to prevent 200 people a year developing heart disease and to help thousands of smokers give up in the next few years and there is a lot of help available:

Stop Smoking Wales are a free phone call away. Ring 0800 085 2219 for an appointment near where you live or work. You are four times more likely to quit using this service than if you try to quit alone.

Carmarthenshire hospital sites have a special service to help patients and staff who want to stop smoking. Ring 01267 227185 (Glangwili) or 01554 783558 (Prince Phillip)

Your practice nurse, GP or community pharmacy can offer advice on stopping smoking and the treatments that are proven to help.

For more information on keeping you heart healthy or stopping smoking go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/healthy-wednesday