Stop Smoking

Reduce Your Chances of Returning to the Hospital

No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, it’s never too late to quit this unhealthy habit. The benefits start right away and last a lifetime:

• 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lungs work better.
• 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.
  
• 5 years after quitting, your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder cancers is cut in half.
  
• 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker.
• 15 years after quitting, your risk of heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s.
  

Ready, Set, Quit!

Now that you’ve decided to quit, take it one day at a time. Remind yourself that you are in control—you can choose to smoke or not.

Be prepared to have nicotine cravings. They usually pass soon, so wait them out. The good news is that they become weaker and less frequent the longer you go without smoking. When a craving hits, take a walk, call a friend or do something else you enjoy.