You Can Be A Quitter – It’s Never Too Late!

Quit for you and for everyone who cares about you.

FEEL your best, healthiest self & LIVE your best, healthiest life!

Tobacco use is the #1 preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S.

½ of all smokers who keep smoking will die of this habit. It’s never too late to quit smoking!

 

Here’s what happens when you quit smoking:

20 Minutes        Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.

12 Hours          The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

2 Weeks to

3 Months          Your circulation improves and your lung function (breathe easier!) increases.

 

1-9 Months       Coughing and shortness of breath decrease, making it easier to breathe, clean the lungs and reduce your risk of infection.

 

1 Year             Your excess risk of coronary heart disease becomes half that of someone who continues to smoke. So, your heart attack risk (which is higher as a smoker) drops dramatically.

 

5 Years            Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus & bladder is cut in half.

                     Cervical cancer risk falls to that of non-smoker and your Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years!

 

10 Years          Your risk of dying from lung cancer becomes ½ that of someone who still smokes. And your risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) & pancreases decreases.

15 Years          Your risk of coronary heart disease becomes that of a non-smoker’s.

 

*To get help or to implement at your workplace/organizaiton, checkout the American Cancer's Society's Workplace Toolkit 

 

Join in and share the message of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 16th. Let your co-workers, employees and loved ones know you support them!

Quitting tobacco use is the most important step you (or someone you care about) can take to improve your health.

On your quit day, try one or more of these tips – choosing other healthy habits over smoking:

  • Do not smoke – not even one puff!
  • Keep active – try walking, exercising, or doing other activities or hobbies.
  • Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air.
  • Spend as much time as you can in public places where smoking is not allowed.
  • Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.
  • Begin using nicotine replacement if that is your choice.
  • Attend stop-smoking class or start following a self-help plan.
  • Avoid situations where the urge to smoke is strong.
  • Try to Reduce or avoid alcohol, coffee or other drinks you link with smoking.
  • Think about changing your routine. Use a different route to work, drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place or eat different foods.
  • If you miss the feeling of having a cigarette in your hand, hold something else like a pencil, or a picture of someone you love and want to live for.Try slow, deep breathing 4 counts in and 4 counts out.
  • Smell clean, fresh, smoke-free clothing and other items to remind you of how living smoke-free can help your senses and cleanliness.
  • Tag yourself and join the #greatamericansmokeout community for support

Source: American Cancer Society. Visit cancer.org/smokeout or call 1-800-227-2345 for free tips and tools. #greatamericansmokeout