If you are not a smoker, encourage and support those who take part and are trying to quit.

By quitting smoking you reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, lung disease, infertility, a number of cancers, and premature skin wrinkles. 

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

It’s never too late to quit and get the benefits:

• 20 minutes after quitting—Your blood pressure drops back to normal.
• 8 hours after quitting—The carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal.
• 24 hours after quitting—Your chance of having a heart attack goes down.
• 2 days after quitting—You can taste and smell things better.
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting—You have better circulation and your lungs work better.
• 1 to 9 months after quitting—Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease.
• 1 year after quitting—You reduce your risk for heart disease by half.
• 5 to 15 years after quitting—Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who never smoked.
• 10 years after quitting—Your risk of lung cancer is nearly the same as someone who never smoked.

Steps to Take to Quit

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done.  Often smokers have to make several attempts to quit before they can quit for good. 

• Pick a date to stop smoking.
• Tell family, friends, and coworkers that you plan to quit.
• Plan for challenges and other things you can do when you get the urge to smoke.
• Remove cigarettes from your home, car, and workplace
• Talk to your health care provider about medications to help you quit.
• Get more help if you need it by joining a quit-smoking program or support group in your community.

For More Information on Smoking and How to Quit

National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline
Phone: 877-44U-QUIT, TTY: 1-800-332-8615 

American Cancer Society “Guide to Quitting Smoking”
Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for the number of the telephone “quitline” or other support in your area.

CDC Tobacco and Prevention Source

“You Can Quit Smoking Consumer Guide”

American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking® free online smoking cessation program

Sources:  American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, National Cancer Institute, www.smokefree.gov.