Consider these compelling reasons to quit smoking:
In just 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure start to normalize.
Within 12 hours of quitting, carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease.
Between 2 weeks and 3 months of quitting, your circulation and lung function show improvement.
From 1 to 9 months after quitting, you'll notice a reduction in coughing and shortness of breath.
After a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease drops significantly, and the chance of a heart attack diminishes.
At the 5-year mark of quitting, your risk of certain cancers like oral, throat, esophagus, and bladder is halved. Cervical cancer risk matches that of a non-smoker.
In the window of 2 to 5 years after quitting, your risk of stroke equals that of a non-smoker.
After 10 years of quitting, your lung cancer risk decreases by half compared to those who continue smoking.
At the 15-year milestone, your risk of coronary heart disease aligns with that of a non-smoker.
It's time to consider the path to better health.
These insights are from the American Cancer Society, shedding light on the importance of informed choices.
Every year, more than 400,000 lives are lost in the United States due to smoking, and secondhand smoke contributes to thousands of heart disease-related deaths.
Did you know smoking can lead to non-fatal conditions like osteoporosis, wrinkles, peptic ulcers, impotence, and complications during pregnancy?
Smoking doubles your risk of coronary heart disease.
The good news is that quitting can quickly reduce heart disease risk.
Quitting smoking is challenging but possible. Most people need a few tries to succeed.
Consider the "cold turkey" method: Pick a quit date, eliminate tobacco from your surroundings, let friends and family know about your goal, and engage in healthy activities like exercise to distract your mind from smoking.
Think about the money saved from not buying cigarettes and how you can use it!
You might experience the urge to put something in your mouth. Keep healthy snacks like baby carrots or nuts handy. Weight gain during quitting is common but temporary.
If cravings become intense, consider over-the-counter nicotine gums and patches.
Several prescription medications can help curb tobacco cravings. If quitting seems difficult, consult your doctor for guidance.
Comments