November is Great American Smokeout Month
The American Cancer Society holds the Great American Smokeout® each November, when smokers across the nation take part by smoking less or quitting for the day. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco. It also raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good.
The reason that a smoker finally quits is different from person to person, but it is always personal – whether it’s a health concern, a family or social reason. Preferred Care cares about your health. If you are thinking about quitting, believe in your reason!
The benefits of quitting are HUGE! Here are just a few:
| 20 minutes after quitting: |
Your blood pressure drops to a level close to what is was before the last cigarette. The temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal. |
| 8 hours after quitting: |
The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. |
| 24 hours after quitting: |
Your chance of a heart attack decreases. |
| 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: |
Your circulation improves and your lung function increases up to 30%. |
| 1 to 9 months after quitting: |
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection. |
| 1 year after quitting: |
The excess risk of coronary heart disease lower to half that of a smoker's. |
| 5 years after quitting: |
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting. |
| 10 years after quitting: |
The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decrease. |
| 15 years after quitting: |
The risk of coronary heart disease lowers to that of a nonsmoker's. |
Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit with some means of support. These include:
- Nicotine replacement products
- Counseling
- Medication to reduce cravings
- Guide books
- Encouragement of friends and family members.
Remember: Quitting smoking is the single most important thing that you can do to improve your health!
For more information
Interactive health tools (from the Preferred Care Health Encyclopedia, powered by the Healthwise® Knowledgebase) can help you focus on how smoking affects your life.
Also, visit the American Cancer Society Web site at http://www.cancer.org
Posted: November 2005
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