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Staying Healthy
Did You Know?
Did you know that the benefits of quitting smoking start right away? Your 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 get results within just 20 minutes! If you need more encouragement to quit smoking, read below to learn more about the exciting health benefits that start almost immediately after you stop lighting up.
| After 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 to 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 your life.
Posted with permission from the Manhattan Smoke-Free Partnership
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