The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Here are a few of the benefits others have enjoyed as nonsmokers:

Better Social and Family Life

No more cigarette smoke in my clothes, my house, or my car. Keesha, 40

My kids are really proud of me. Joseph, 51

I don't have to worry about bothering people by smoking in front of them. Fred, 43

I'm a lot more active. I can move around so much better. Carolyn, 72

I don't need to plan my day around when I'll be able to smoke. Megan, 29

I'm saving about $5.00 a day-that's $150 every single month. Alvina, 51

Within:

20 minutes: Blood pressure goes down, and the pulse slows to its normal rate. Temperature in hands and feet goes up to normal.
12-24 hours: Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal, and oxygen level goes up. Chance of heart attack goes down.
48 hours: Damaged nerve endings begin to get better. So, sense of taste and smell begins to improve.
72 hours: The body is really free of nicotine. The bronchial tubes relax, making it easier to breathe.
2 weeks to 3 months:. Circulation gets better. Exercise becomes easier.
1 month to 9 months: Coughing, congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath go down. Cilia are better able to clean the lungs and cut the rate of infections. Overall energy goes up.
1 year: The risk of heart disease is cut in half.
5 years: The risk of having a stroke goes down to that of a nonsmoker.
10 years: The risk of developing lung cancer is cut in half.
15 years: The risk of heart disease and lung cancer drops to the level of a nonsmoker.

[1] American Cancer Society. (2013). When smokers quit – what are the benefits over time? Retrieved on January 18, 2014 from, http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/guidetoquittingsmoking/guide-to-quitting-smoking-benefits