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Stefano Sweetman from Co Tipperary is hoping to quit smoking after 20 years. He’s appearing on this year’s season of RTE’s Operation Transformation where he will be supported by HSE Stop Smoking Advisor, Angela Radley.
The 32-year-old hairdresser is based in Clonmel in Co Tipperary with his husband Gerard. Stefano smokes up to 30 cigarettes a day and has been a smoker since he was 13 and feels it is starting to affect his health.
Stefano is determined to kick the habit with evidence-based support.
Stefano will get face-to-face support from Angela in Tipperary University Hospital. The treatment support programme includes an initial assessment of nicotine-dependency, weekly support during the first four weeks of quitting, advice on using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), carbon monoxide monitoring, practical information on changing routines, managing cravings and dealing with challenging moments.
Angela has advised Stefano once he sets his quit date he will use a combination of nicotine replacement therapies that will give him the best chance of success. Angela has assured Stefano that if he can stop smoking for 28 days, he is 5 times more likely to quit for good.
The HSE QUIT service is free and support is provided by qualified stop smoking advisers who are based around Ireland. The service is available by phone, by video link and in person for anyone who wants to quit or is thinking about it.
There are three Stop Smoking Clinics based in Tipperary.
Follow Stefano on Operation Transformation every Wednesday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.
