It’s Always the Right Time to Quit Smoking

By Mountain-Pacific

It’s hard to quit smoking.

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths every year in this country—or about one in every five deaths. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease. And yet, despite these severe impacts on life and health, 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes.

Why?
Tobacco is both a physical and psychological addiction. In fact, the American Cancer Society says addiction to nicotine is one of the strongest and most deadly addictions a person can have. A smoker who’s ready to quit needs a plan and a lot of support.
November 21 is the Great American Smokeout. It’s an annual reminder for smokers that November 21 could be day one, the first day on the journey toward a smoke-free, healthier life.

Quitting cigarettes improves a person’s health almost immediately, no matter his or her age. Here’s what happens after that last cigarette:

• 20 minutes: Heart rate and blood pressure drop to healthier levels
• 12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels drop to that of a non-smoker
• 2-12 weeks: Circulation and lung function improve
• 1-9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease
• 1 year: Risk for coronary disease goes to half of what it was when the person smoked
• 5 years: Mouth, esophageal, throat and bladder cancer risks decrease by half
• 10 years: risk of death from lung cancer is half the risk of a smoker
• 15 years: Risk of coronary disease is the same as someone who never smoked

While quitting isn’t easy, it is the most important step a smoker can take to live longer and experience a better quality of life, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. And it’s never too late to quit.

Learn about free tips and tools for quitting at the American Cancer Society’s website, or call 1-800-QUIT NOW to learn about how to make a personal, customized plan to quite for good.

Helping someone to quit? Check out these do’s and don’ts to support success.