A Time Line of The Benefits of Quitting Smoking?

January 17 to 23 is No Smoking Week. What better time to highlight the benefits of quitting and to encourage those around us that are on their smoke-free journey or to perhaps educate someone considering this bi

Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health and quality of life. Non-smokers have a much lower risk of getting dozens of smoking-related diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis) 

The benefits to your body can be seen in as little as the equivalent of an average work shift.

8 HOURS after quitting:

• carbon monoxide level drops in your body.
• oxygen level in your blood increases to normal

48 HOURS after quitting:

• Your chances of having a heart attack start to go down.
• Your sense of smell and taste begin to improve.

72 HOURS after quitting:

• Your bronchial tubes relax and make breathing easier.
• Your lung capacity increases.

2 to 3 MONTHS after quitting:

• Your blood circulation improves.
• Your lung functioning increases up to 30%

6 MONTHS after quitting:

• Your coughing, stuffy nose, tiredness and shortness of breath improve.

1 YEAR after quitting:

• Your risk of smoking-related heart attack is cut in half.

10 YEARS after quitting:

• Your risk of dying from lung cancer (links to lung cancer disease) is cut in half. 

15 YEARS after quitting:

• Your risk of dying from a heart attack is the same as a person who never smoked.

Now that’s something to get excited about! 

Some other great reasons that will benefit you. They may seem small but they have a lasting effect on you and those around you:

•  Your teeth will be whiter and your breath will be fresher
• Your skin will look healthier and have fewer wrinkles 
• Your hair and clothes won't smell of smoke 
• You will have improved sense of taste and smell 
• Your breathing and general fitness level will improve
• You will heal faster and have fewer complications after surgery
• You'll set a good example for your children
• Your smoking will no longer affect the health of people around you
• You'll have more money to save or to spend on other things - a pack of cigarettes a day adds up to more than $5,000 a year!
• You'll have more energy to do the things you love
• You'll pay lower life insurance premiums
• Cigarettes will no longer control your life

Quitting is not easy that’s why there is lots of support around. Most people smoke for a few reasons. Before you set your quit date you need to prepare. Take time to think about when, where, and why you smoke. If you understand your smoking habits and triggers, you'll have a better chance of success. 

For excellent tips, information and support visit the Canadian Lung Association also known as Breathe The Lung Association. The above was borrowed from their site.

https://www.lung.ca

For information on aides to assist you in your journey to quit contact one of our pharmacists.