Starr Approach
STOPPING SMOKING ADDS YEARS TO YOUR LIFE
List of health benefits from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
  • Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years.
     
  • 20 minutes after quitting your heat rate drops.
     
  • 12 hours after quitting, carbon monoxide level in your blood drop to normal.
     
  • After 24 hours, your lungs begin to clear out accumulated mucus and tar. Your pulse rate and blood pressure begin to lower.
     
  • After 72 hours, your bronchial tubes begin to relax, making breathing easier. Lung capacity increases.
     
  • After 2-12 weeks, circulation improves, making walking and physical activity easier. Stamina improves.
     
  • After 2 weeks to 3 months your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lung function begins to improve.
     
  • 1-9 months after quitting your coughing and sinus congestion decreases. Lung function improves. Shortness of breath decreases. Energy levels increases.
     
  • 1 year after quitting, your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
     
  • 5 years after quitting, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s.
     
  • 10 years after quitting, your lung cancer death rate is about half of that of a smoker’s. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decrease.
     
  • 15 years after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease and lung cancer is back to that of someone who has never smoked.