However, when Debbie saw many of females now upholding a BetterMe lifestyle with good balance on physical & mental health nowadays, and they work really hard on changing their existing habit, Debbie has begun to think about quitting.

Debbie believes that “the continuous rise in cigarette prices is a factor. But more important is the gradual realisation of the harms of smoking, not just to health, but also the stench that it will leave on the body. Later I learnt that smoking would affect the premium I pay, some insurance policies would even give me a rebate for quitting.”

After completing the Quit Smoking Programme, Debbie has found many benefits physically and mentally, notable on glowing skin.

“My skin used to be very bad, almost to an unsalvageable extent. But now my skin quality is really much better!” While the stench on her body has gone, Debbie now also having a better looking, which turns her to a real “BetterMe” both physically and mentally.

Family is the greatest source of motivation

Another interviewee, Mr Tang, has also long history on smoking. When asked about why it’s time to quit smoking, he immediately reacted firmly on acknowledging “smoking harms yourself and others” mentioned in many advertisements is so true.

After having children, Mr Tang gradually realised smoking did affect not just themselves, but also the family. He discovered that “when you get old and have your own family, you start to think for their sake. Should I smoke in front of the children? I would rather to live longer, so I can see my kids for a few years more!”.

Other than family, he also revealed some insurance companies could offer incentive on quit smoking. If he could successfully quit smoking within a designated period, he may have a chance to receive a reward which equals to the first 2 years’ smoker and non-smoker premium differences. More importantly, he could be charged a non-smoker premium thereafter. When he discovered the benefits, he believed this is the right timing to quit smoking.

After completing the Quit Smoking Programme^, Mr Tang thinks his heart and lung functions have strengthened a lot. “I can breathe better during jogging, and have to catch my breath less. Most importantly, my clothes and hands don’t smell like smoke any more, and I feel more comfortable hanging out with colleagues and friends.” That’s why Mr Tang also firmly believed “smoking harms yourself and others” is so true.

Quit smoking is all about perseverance and perseverance

There may be lots of individual reasons on driving people to quit smoking, but when Debbie and Mr Tang talked about the key to success, both of them believe perseverance is the only thing.

Soon after joining the ‘Quit Smoking Incentive’ Programme^, they realised smoking is actually a ‘demon of the mind’. They even said it wasn’t too tough when they tried to quit. Every time when they felt like they liked to smoke, they just told themselves there is no need to smoke, and they can save the money to buy other food to eat, and gradually they have kicked the habit.

More importantly, the Quit Smoking Incentive Programme^ has a nicotine test in the final stage of the programme. Both Debbie and Mr Tang reminded everyone when they want to smoke, they have to remind themselves one cigarette would flush all their efforts down the drain if they really want to success. So, no matter you used to having a cigarette after meals, or when you were having alcohol. If you persist in kicking the bad habits, it is not that hard. After all, there is no silver bullet to succeed in quitting smoking, it’s all about perseverance, perseverance and perseverance.

To help people to quit smoking, AXA offered a ‘Quit Smoking Incentive’ Programme^. Policy holders successfully submit the application for any new designated health and protection basic plan and its designated supplements and quit smoking in a designated period and pass the nicotine test, then they can receive a reward which equals to the first 2 years’ smoker and non-smoker premium differences. They will be also charged a non-smoker premium thereafter.* This will not only encourage people to have a better lifestyle, but also give a reward to those who persevere.