DPPW: Benefits of Quitting

Benefits Of Quitting

Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years.

Quitting is not easy. It may take several times before succeeding. But when you quit, your body will feel much better and healthier. Need help to Quit Smoking.

Here are some ways quitting affects your body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years.

20 Minutes After Quitting
Your heart rate 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.

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.

Georgia Tobacco Quit Line
Call the Georgia Tobacco QuitLine @ 1.877.270.STOP (7867) or 1.877.266.3863 (Spanish). The call is free and so is the service. The Georgia Tobacco QuitLine provides free counseling, up-to-date information about pharmacological support such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches, etc., and referral to other cessation services, including local resources for all Georgia residents age 13 and older. The hours of operation are Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM to midnight (12:00 AM).

www.livehealthygeorgia.org

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