BUS driver Tony Halstead has one aim for the new year - to quit smoking.
He's one of six Examiner readers picked out to get help from their own personal therapist.
The 47-year-old dad-of-three, from Berry Brow, can't do the job he loves at the moment after having a stroke.
Doctors have told him to quit his 10 to 15 cigarettes a day habit or face possibly fatal consequences.
We've teamed Tony up with Lynda Hull, from Honley. She specialises in reflexology, which concentrates on the feet.
Here, they tell how they got on at their first session.
We'll be following the progress of Tony - and the other five quitters we introduced in the paper on Wednesday - throughout January and into February. Tony and Lynda will get together again next week.
Therapists are giving their time and expertise free.
Examiner editor Roy Wright says: "We hope our series will be an interesting and inspiring read for anyone who has conquered their smoking habit, or aims to give up and is wondering how best to go about it."
I ATTENDED my first session with Lynda at her home.
I was greeted very warmly and led into a conservatory looking out on to a beautiful garden.
This, combined with soothing background music, made me start to relax before we even started.
Lynda instantly made me feel at ease.
We discussed my treatment and she explained that although the reflexology wasn't designed to stop me from smoking, it would go a long way, by helping me to relax and cope with stress that normally has me reaching for my cigarettes.
Lynda then began, and explained that each part of the foot corresponds to an area of the body. I can honestly say I knew, without the need to be told, because I could feel it.
I came away more relaxed than I have been since I can remember and in awe of Lynda's skills.
I have also spoken to the practice nurse at our local surgery and we have agreed on a course of nicotine patches to complement the reflexology.
I think these combined will help me kick the habit.
I am truly looking forward to my next appointment!
THE holistic therapy of reflexology can be traced back 5,000 years, when it started in China.
It is a specific type of massage, using thumb and finger pressure along the energy pathways of the feet.
These pathways often become blocked or congested. There are 7,000 nerve ending in the feet.
Reflexology can help with all sorts of conditions, including sinusitis, asthma, sciatica, stiff joints, headache, depression and stress.
Tony arrived with his wife providing morale support. He was initially very apprehensive and nervous.
He needs to stop smoking for his health, otherwise he may experience a further more serious stroke or heart attack.
I explained how nicotine constricts all blood vessels, leading to circulation problems, heart, lung and brain constriction.
Tony also needs to reduce his coffee and alcohol intake for his health to benefit.
As I am working the feet, I can often detect areas of the body which are not working efficiently. With specific pressure techniques I can unblock the congestion within these areas.
Tony was very receptive. No two people are alike, and the first signs were excellent.
Tony said he felt extremely relaxed and peaceful.
