Within 20 minutes of smoking your last cigarette,
the body begins a series of changes that continues for years!

When a Smoker Quits...

20 minutes
• blood pressure and pulse drops to normal
• body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

8 hours
• blood carbon monoxide level drops to normal
• blood oxygen level increases to normal

24 hours
• chance of heart attack decreases

48 hours
• nerve endings start regrowing
• ability to smell and taste enhanced

2 weeks to 3 months
• circulation improves
• walking becomes easier
• lung function increases up to 30%

1 to 9 months
• coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease
• cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean lungs, reduce infection
• body's overall energy increases

1 year
• excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 years
• lung cancer death rate for average former smoker decreased by almost half
• stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting
• risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker

10 years
• lung cancer death rate similar to that of a nonsmoker
• precancerous cells are replaced
• risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decrease

15 years
• risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker

(Sources: American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control)

Place a straw in your mouth.

Pinch your nose shut.

Breathe through the straw.

Try this while walking....

This is how it feels to breathe with emphysema.

Think about it the next time you light up!!

Remember: Sometimes it takes 5-7 attempts at quitting before it works.
Don't give up!
Each attempt helps you learn how to better prepare for success.

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