The Benefits

Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continues for years.

20 MINUTES

• Blood pressure drops to normal.
• Pulse rate drops to normal.
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.

8 HOURS

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal.

24 HOURS

• Chance of heart attack decreases.

48 HOURS

• Nerve endings start regrowing.
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced.

2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS

• Circulation improves.
• Walking becomes easier.
• Lung function increases up to 30%.

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 increases.

1 YEAR

• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.

5 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half.
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's.

On Sunday I will celebrate my 5th Breathaversary. I cannot believe I used to smoke at all. So weird to look at smokers now and think that I used to do that. Weird.

Thank you to everyone who supported me through all the struggles back in 2006. It was a tough road but one I know I will never have to go down again.

(benefits of quitting smoking from quittingsmokingsupport.com)

Comments

[A-Flizzle]

Congratulations on staying a quitter!! Quitting smoking is an incredibly difficult process--I am six years quit but still have dreams of smoking! You should be very proud of this accomplishment. Happy Breathing!!

[Jess]

yay george! happy breathaversary! i have family who have had the same journey, and i know it's not an easy one.

congratulations! :)

[Rachel]

I knew this day was coming up, as it's around the same time my brother quit. AWESOME.

[Wendy]

I LOVE THIS!!!! YAY NINJA!!!!! That's AWESOME :)

[Karen G]

Congrats, my friend. I am so proud of you!!!! LYLB

[Sam]

Thank you for this George. I am currently really struggling to quit. I keep promising myself that today will be the last day, and then I go for a couple of days and break my promise. Knowing that another pwd has managed has given me the strength to do this (I hope). Wish me luck, and thank you again.

Sam (used to be over at pancreasonmybelt but well, it seems I quit d blogging easier than I do smoking...)