Quit Smoking

Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

There are a number of health advantages to quitting smoking. Surprisingly, some benefits to the body happen right away while others occur the longer you stay smoke-free. In pregnancy, the benefits to quitting smoking affect not only the mother but also the unborn child.

Within 20 minutes after your last cigarette:

� blood pressure may drop to normal level

� pulse rate drops to normal rate

� body temperature of hands & feet increases to normal

Within 8 hours:

� blood oxygen level returns to normal

Within 24 hours:

� lungs begin to clear mucus

� may reduce chance of heart attack

Within 48 hours:

� may reduce chance of heart attack

� smell and taste begin to improve

Within 72 hours:

� lung capacity increases and breathing becomes easier

Within 2 weeks to 3 months:

� blood circulation improves

� lung functioning increases up to 30%

� nicotine is removed from your body

Within 6 months:

� coughing, sinus congestion, tiredness and shortness of breath improve

Within 1 year:

� risk of suffering a smoking-related heart attack is cut in half

� risk for cavities is lower

Within 10 years:

� risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half

Within 15 years:

� risk of dying from a heart attack is equal to a person who has never smoked

Quitting smoking is good medicine.

For more information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse, please contact:

York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933