Mr Ma is 70 years old. Before moving from China to Australia, he had nearly 40 years of smoking history. Here, he shares his story of quitting smoking, including his motivation, the methods he used, and the benefits he experienced after quitting.
I started smoking when I was 23 and working in China. I smoked 10 to 20 cigarettes a day. Offering cigarettes to each other and smoking together was a social custom.
In 2012, after retiring, I came to Australia to live with my daughter and granddaughter. That's when I decided to quit smoking. I smoked less and less each day until I stopped completely. I quit for my own health, for my family and granddaughters, and for the health of future generations. Australian culture is also different from that in China; there's no social culture of offering cigarettes to each other, which was very helpful in quitting. Also, cigarettes are very expensive here. My wife and daughter gave me tremendous support throughout my quitting process.
Since quitting smoking, I feel healthier. I enjoy growing vegetables and cooking fresh food for my granddaughters, and the food tastes even better now. I no longer cough, my teeth are whiter, and I can breathe normally again. My wife says I smell better too.
Because I'm busy helping my family with housework every day, I hardly have time to think about smoking. I also encourage my smoking friends to quit together.
If I were to offer one piece of advice to smokers, it would be: Don't wait until you get sick to quit. Quit now! It's good for your health and your family. Why smoke at all? Why not just quit!
Mr Ma's secret to quitting smoking
Find something to distract you so you won't think about smoking.
Running, exercising.
Cigarettes are expensive! Quitting smoking can save you a lot of money.
Quitting smoking requires perseverance: you must stick to it, don't make excuses, and don't lie to yourself by saying it's OK.
Make up your mind. Quitting smoking is good for your health and your family.
Refuse to accept cigarettes from anyone offering them to you. You need to firmly say no!
Call Quitline for free consultation
Whether you are ready to quit smoking or not, please call Quitline. Our counsellors can provide personalised assistance or answer any questions you may have about quitting. We also offer translation services; we can speak with you in Mandarin or Cantonese.
Mandarin: Please call 03 9514 6791
Cantonese: Please call 03 9514 6792
Please leave your name, phone number, and preferred time to call. One of our counsellors will call you back and provide translation services. Our working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
