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Love your lungs week

Meet Our People: Katrina Elms

Katrina’s Journey to Healthier Lungs

As Love Your Lungs Week shines a spotlight on respiratory health, Katrina’s story serves as an inspiration for those wishing to embrace a smoke-free lifestyle. As an NHS 111 Call Handler, who recently joined the team just two months ago, Katrina shares her journey of quitting smoking and the transformative benefits it has brought.

For Katrina, the decision to quit smoking stemmed from a desire to be present and respectful around her non-smoking partner and aunt. “Being around them, I found that I didn’t want to be smoking,” she recalls. This realisation led her to transition to vaping full-time and ultimately being completely free from both cigarettes and vaping after preparing for surgery in October 2023.

Since quitting smoking. Katrina has experienced a number of positive changes in her life. Her daily routine no longer revolves around smoking breaks, and she can spend more quality time with loved ones without constantly stepping outside. She also has a better sense of smell, less breathlessness, and a stronger immune system.

Katrina Elms

Being surrounded by people who smoked

While being around her smoking family members initially was a little difficult, it also served as a powerful reminder of smoking’s detrimental effects. “Seeing my family constantly coughing made me glad I didn’t have to deal with that smoker’s cough anymore.”

For those thinking about quitting, Katrina shares what worked for her. She leaned a lot on vaping to help quit cigarettes, finding it was easier to cut down on the nicotine levels first before breaking the habit of having something in her hand. Having a goal like her surgery coming up also motivated her to quit.

Moreover, Katrina emphasises the importance of patience and understanding throughout the quitting process. “Be really understanding for people trying to quit and have patience,” she advises. “Battling an addiction is hard, and they are trying their best. Don’t get mad when they relapse; they are far more likely to try again tomorrow if they feel supported rather than lectured.”

As Love Your Lungs Week reminds us of the importance of respiratory health, Katrina’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the positive impact of embracing a smoke-free lifestyle. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for those looking to prioritise their well-being.