Benefits of Quitting Smoking

The benefits of quitting smoking start right away! The body responds immediately to your decision to quit smoking. You rapidly lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and steadily reduce your risk of lung cancer. According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, you can see results within just 20 minutes! If you need any more encouragement to quit smoking, read below to learn more about the exciting health benefits that start almost immediately after you stop lighting up.

In 20 minutes	Your heart rate drops.
In 12 hours	The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
In 2 days	Your ability to smell and taste improves.
In 2-3 weeks	Your heart attack risk begins to drop. Your circulation gets better. You can walk more easily. Your lung function improves.
In 1 month	Your coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath decreases. Your lungs start to repair themselves.
In 1 year	Your risk of heart disease is reduced by 50%.
In 5 years	Your risk of stroke is reduced to that of non-smokers.
In 10 years	Your chance of dying of lung cancer is about half that of a continuing smoker's. Your risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus decreases.
In 15 years	Your risk of coronary heart disease returns to the level of people who have never smoked.

OTHER BENEFITS

You also might find that:

Your bad breath is gone.
The stains on your teeth, fingers, and fingernails fade.
The smoke smell dissipates from your hair, clothes, car, and furniture.
You have more overall energy and are better able to enjoy life.