quitsmoking

Quit Smoking

​Quitting is hard to do. Many people will try many times before they actually quit. But they do succeed.

Why should I quit smoking?

  • Smoking causes cancer of the lungs, mouth and throat
  • Smoking causes heart disease
  • Smoking causes emphysema and/or COPD
  • Smoking increases the risk of strokes
  • Smoking causes poor circulation
  • Smoking causes diabetes complications

What are other good reasons for quitting?

  • You will live longer
  • You will have more energy
  • You will breathe easier
  • You will lower the risk of a stroke and cancer
  • You will save money

Tips to stop smoking

  • Make the commitment to quit.  See if you are ready to quit by taking this quiz.
  • Set a date for quitting and stick to it
  • Get rid of all ashtrays, cigarettes and lighters
  • Stay in nonsmoking areas
  • Tell your family and friends. That way they can support you
  • Find ways to reduce stress
  • Keep yourself busy
  • Ask your provider about medication to help you quit smoking

Keep your kids safe from smoke

  • Do not smoke in your home
  • Do not smoke with your children in the car
  • Choose childcare workers who do not smoke around your children
  • Do not spend too much time indoors where anyone is smoking
  • If you or anyone in your family smoke, you may also think about quitting

What happens after you have smoked your last cigarette?

  • After 20 minutes, blood pressure drops to normal.
  • After eight hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal.
  • After 48 hours, you can smell and taste better.
  • In one to nine months, coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and the shortness of breath you feel decreases.
  • After five years, the chance of dying from lung cancer is cut to almost half.
  • After 15 years, the risk of heart disease is equal to that of a nonsmoker.