Benefits of Quitting

Within 20 minutes:

• Blood pressure drops to normal

• Pulse rate drops to normal rate

• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

After 8 hours:

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal

• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

After 24 hours:

• Chance of heart attack decreases

After 48 hours:

• Nerve endings start regrowing

• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

After 72 hours:

• Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier

After 2 weeks to 3 months:

• Circulation improves

• Walking becomes easier

• Lung functioning increases up to 30%

After 1 to 9 months:

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease

• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection

• Body’s overall energy level increases

After 5 years:

• Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half

• Risk of heart disease decreases

After 10 years:

• Precancerous cells are replaced by new cells

• Lung cancer death rate is almost that of non smokers

• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases