Why you should stop smoking
Think about your health; stopping smoking improves your chances of living a longer and healthier life. In just 20 minutes your body starts healing itself, repairing the damage done by all those years of smoking. Things get better right away when you stop smoking for good.
Benefits of stopping smoking
There other advantages to stopping smoking. These include:
- more money in your pocket
- you will protect the health of your family and friends by not exposing them to second hand smoke
- reduced likelihood that your children will start smoking
- your clothes and home will no longer smell of stale tobacco smoke
- reduced risk of fire in your home
After just 20 minutes
Your blood pressure and pulse go back to normal and your circulation improves, especially in your hands and feet.
After 8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are reduced by half and your oxygen levels return to normal.
After 24 hours
Carbon monoxide is removed from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and debris.
After 48 hours
Your body is now free of nicotine. You are reducing your chances of getting lung cancer and having a heart attack. You will notice:
- breathing is easier
- exercise is easier
- your sense of taste and smell have got better
- that clogged feeling in your lungs has gone and you have lost that nasty cough in the morning
- you feel tired less and do more of the things you love
After 72 hours
Your breathing is easier. You have more energy.
After two to 12 weeks
Circulation through your body is much better, so it’s is easier for you to walk and exercise now.
After three to nine weeks
Your lungs can breathe in 5% to 10% more air and you stop coughing, being short of breath and wheezing.
After five years
You have now halved your chance of having a heart attack compared to a smoker.
After 10 years
You have now halved your chance of getting lung cancer compared to a smoker. Your chance of having a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked.
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