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BENEFITS:
20 minutes after quitting: blood pressure drops to a level close to that before the last cigarette. Temperature of hands and feet may increase to normal.
8 hours after quitting: carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to almost normal.
24 hours after quitting: chance of heart attack decreases.
2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: circulation improves; lung function increases up to 30%.
1 to 9 months after quitting: coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection.
1 year after quitting: excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
5 years after quitting: stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 -15 years after quitting.
10 years after quitting: lung cancer death rate about half that of a continuing smoker's risk; risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decrease.
15 years after quitting: risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.
Staying Tobacco Free:
• As you become smoke free you will feel your body changing. You will feel less winded when going up a flight of stairs. Enjoy it. Occupy your time by exercising, puzzles, games, etc. Simple things like walking will do tremendous benefits for your health.
• Never feel that all you need now is a cigarette to help you think.
• Start a money jar with money you save by not smoking you will be surprised!
• Let the world know that you are successful with your cessation; ask them to help you stay on tract.
• Do not worry if you are more irritable than usual. These symptoms will pass.
• We cannot emphasize the importance of a good support team. Find someone to walk with you. This is important because you will find that you now have more energy than ever, you must stay active. Exercising might be your answer.
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