Konya residents share benefits of quitting long-term smoking

In Konya, Turkey, Cemal Dikici and Hikmet Mutu have shared their experiences of overcoming long-term smoking addiction. Dikici, 59, reported smoking an average of two packs per day for 20 years before quitting in 2005.

Dikici noted a significant improvement in his quality of life, citing better sleep, improved physical stamina, and the ability to walk long distances without difficulty. He also highlighted the financial benefits, explaining that the money saved from not buying cigarettes helped him pay dues for a housing cooperative.

Kadir Dikici, the Konya Branch President of the Association for Fighting Smoking in Turkey and brother to Cemal, noted that the family celebrated the cessation and has since participated in association activities to promote public health and highlight the rising costs and harms of tobacco use.