A Doctor's 31-Year Smoke-Free Journey

Doctor Chau Nhat Ly maintains a healthy and active lifestyle, after 31 years of successfully quitting smoking

Memories of cigarette smoke and tired sleepless nights

In 1980, Mr. Chau Nhat Ly started smoking. The pressure of studying and staying up all night to study for exams made him turn to cigarettes as a way to stay awake. At first, it was just a few cigarettes a day, but the habit took root before he knew it. After only a year, he smoked an average of 1 pack a day. When he was with friends, the number was even higher. His health declined severely: He weighed only 41kg, and he suffered from insomnia so often that he had to take sleeping pills. Gradually, he became dependent on sleeping pills to be able to sleep every night.

During the difficult economic period, maintaining the habit of smoking became a burden. Sometimes he had to find half-smoked cigarettes hidden in the wall to "relieve his addiction". Without cigarettes, he felt tired, had difficulty concentrating, and was easily irritated. In the medical environment, the concern of colleagues and patients when approaching him made him feel inferior. From 1980 to 1993, he tried to quit smoking 6 times. The longest time lasted 6 months, but each time he failed. After each failure, he smoked more. His confidence in himself gradually diminished.

Family is the biggest motivation that helps doctor Chau Nhat Ly overcome her smoking addiction.

Decide to change and conquer yourself

The turning point came in 1993, when his wife was pregnant with their first child. That event made him seriously think about his role as a father, a husband, and his responsibility for the health of his family. Without using any supportive drugs or special treatments, he chose to quit naturally. For the first two months, he completely avoided contact with cigarette smoke. He did not look at or go near anyone who smoked. When he craved a cigarette, he would suck on candy, inhale essential oils, or go for a walk. On sleepless nights, he did light exercise and read books to keep his mind stable.

He shared that at that time, the only thing he clung to was determination. After 6 months, the symptoms of craving for cigarettes gradually decreased. After 1 year, he felt his body gradually stabilized. He ate well, slept deeply, had a refreshing spirit, and weighed up to 60kg and has maintained it until now. Most importantly, he clearly felt freedom, no longer dependent on cigarettes to stay awake, no longer being controlled by cigarette smoke in his daily activities.

Inspire your community and loved ones

Quitting smoking has improved Dr. Ly's health and created positive changes in his relationships. His family is no longer affected by secondhand smoke. Colleagues and patients feel more comfortable interacting with him. He himself feels more confident in communicating. As a medical professional, he understands the harmful effects of tobacco. "There are more than 7,000 toxic substances in cigarette smoke. Many of them cause cancer of the lungs, liver, blood, and throat... In addition, it also causes bad breath, premature aging, and increases the risk of stroke," Mr. Ly shared.

According to Mr. Ly, the reason why many people still haven't quit smoking lies in three things: fear of gaining weight, lack of determination and addiction for too long. "People who have smoked for more than 20 years cannot quit in a few days. But if you really want to, you can do it." Mr. Ly emphasized that weight gain after quitting smoking is controllable, if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and eat properly. For those who are on the journey to quit smoking, Dr. Ly advised: "Quitting smoking is a difficult process, but nothing is impossible, unless you don't want to." If he could only say one sentence to encourage someone who is hesitant, Mr. Ly affirmed: "You can do it. The decision to quit smoking is the right one, for you, for your family and the community."

After 31 years of living smoke-free, what Mr. Ly is most proud of is not the position or title he once held, but the fact that he has overcome himself. It is the most worthy victory in the life of a person who was addicted to smoking for more than a decade. Now retired, Dr. Chau Nhat Ly is still willing to participate in communication programs about the harmful effects of tobacco. He wants to spread his own experience so that many others can confidently say no to tobacco.

BICH GIANG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/hanh-trinh-31-nam-khong-khoi-thuoc-cua-mot-bac-si-a421713.html