Great American Smokeout

If you would like to quit smoking, The Wellness Center can help. Stop by to pick up information, resources, & support.

The good news is that when you stop smoking, your body begins to repair itself immediately.

• After 20 minutes, your heart rate drops, your blood pressure drops to a level close to what it was before the last cigarette smoked. Body temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.

• After 8 hours, lung mucus begins to clear, making breathing easier. Carbon monoxide blood levels drop to normal and oxygen levels increase.

• After 24 hours, risk of heart attack decreases.

• After 48 hours, nerve endings start to regrow, Senses of smell and taste improve.

• After 72 hours, bronchial tubes relax making breathing easier. Overall energy level increases. Coughing, congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease.

• After 2 weeks to 3 months, blood circulation improves. Body is better able to fight infection. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases up to 30%.

• After 1 to 9 months, youll have less sinus congestion, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cilia in lungs regrow, helping to clean lungs and reduce infection.

• After 1 year, risk of dying from a heart attack is cut in half.

• After 5 years, much less risk of having a stroke.

• After 10 years, lung cancer death rate drops by 50% compared to that of a smoker. Precancerous cells are replaced. Risk of contracting other cancers decrease.

So quit today!

(Source: New York State Quit site)