Benefits of Quitting Smoking

The benefits of quitting smoking start right away. By quitting, you can rapidly lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and steadily reduce your risk of lung cancer.

Benefits Over Time

 

In 24 hours:        Your chance of heart attack drops.

In 2 days:            Your ability to smell and taste improves.
In 2-3 weeks:     Your circulation & lung function imrpove. You can walk easier.
In 1 month:        Your cough, fatigue, & shortness of breath decrease.
                              Your lungs start to repair themselves.
In 1 year:            Your risk of heart disease is reduced by 50%.
In 5 years:          Your risk of mouth and throat cancer decrease by ~50%.
In 10 years:        Your chance of dying of lung cancer is about the same as 
                              non-smokers.

 

 

*Source: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Health & Mental Hygiene News --Vol 1, No.2 Health Bulletin: You Can Quit Smoking