Health Effects After You Stop Smoking
After your last cigarette, the body quickly begins to heal the effects of smoking.
20 Minutes After Quitting
Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
12 hours After Quitting
Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting
Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
Your lung function begins to improve.
1 to 9 Months After Quitting
Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Lungs start regaining normal functionality, cleaner lungs and a reduced risk of infection.
1 Year After Quitting
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
5 Years After Quitting
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s 5-15 years after quitting.
10 Years After Quitting
Your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s.
Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
15 Years After Quitting
Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker’s.
Other Benefits of Quitting Smoking
✓ The moment you stop smoking, you start saving money. That means more money in your pocket. By quitting smoking, you actually improve your finances.
✓ You no longer need to feel constricted because you are no longer constantly looking for a place where you can smoke. You forget all about the Stop Smoking signs because you now breathe clean fresh air.
✓ Say goodbye to being a social pariah. You can now get closer to people without having them smell the disgusting smell of cigarettes. You smell clean and good and you like it that way.
✓ There is nothing like the feeling of just feeling good. You experience a sense of pride as you know that you did it this time and that you're never going back. It feels good to be a winner.
✓ It's normal for you to also feel healthier. You have more energy and strength to focus on your goals. Things like exercising such as doing cardio are much easier as you breathe clean fresh air. You are able to use more of your lung power. Many clients say that their skin looks better and for men, that they feel much more like a man.
2004 Surgeon General's Report: Poster: Within 20 Minutes of Quitting 2004. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
When Smokers Quit – The Health Benefits Over Time. American Cancer Society. Revised 2008.
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