Just in case anyone wants to stop, or help a loved one:
According to the American Cancer Society and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as soon as you snuff out that final cigarette, the body begins a series of changes:
-Within 20 minutes, the blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal. Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.
-Within eight hours, carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal and oxygen levels in blood rise to normal. Smoker's breath disappears.
-Within 24 hours, chance of heart attack decreases.
-Within 48 hours, nerve endings start regrowing. Ability to taste and smell enhances.
-Within three days, breathing is easier.
-Within two to three months, circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases up to 30 percent.
-Within one to nine months, you'll cough less. Sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. The cilia that sweep debris from the lungs will grow back. You'll feel more energetic.
-Within one year, excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
-Within two years, heart attack risk drops to near normal.
-Within five years, lung cancer death rate for average former smoker (of one pack a day) decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker five to 15 years after quitting. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's.
-Within 10 years, lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker's. Precancerous cells are replaced. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.
-Within 15 years, risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker's.
with only Christ's love as my motive,
Matt
Author
Topic: What happens to your body when you stop smoking? (Read 6188 times)