Benefits to Quitting

Sometimes for people to stop a habit they have to see that the benefits far out weight what they get if they continue the behavior. This is especially true in many smokers. Nicotine is such a powerfully addictive drug that many people are hooked after only a handful of cigarettes. Many smokers believe that after years of smoking the damage has been done and quitting wouldn’t help them at all. But that is highly untrue. The saying it’s never too late to quit is entirely true. The effects of quitting can be seen rather quickly in the body. The benefits of quitting smoking are often what lead people to make the choice between a better life and the life they have with their cigarettes. There is a long list of both medical benefits and lifestyle benefits of quitting smoking. Listed below are a few of those benefits:

 

·        Within 24 hours of quitting blood pressure, carbon monoxide levels, and heart rate all return to normal. The risk for having a heart attack also lowers.

·        After not smoking for a year the risks of coronary heart disease is half what a smokers risks for the disease are. Circulation, lung function, and movement also become normal after not smoking for a year.

·        Someone who has stopped smoking for over 5 years can see their risk of a stroke decreased to the level of those who have never smoked.

·        10 to 15 years after quitting smoking all cancer risks decrease as well as coronary heart disease risks to the levels of those who have never smoked.

 

These are a few of the non health related benefits related to quitting smoking:

·        Sense of smell and taste improve.

·        Clothes and breath don’t stink anymore.

·        Money spent on cigarettes can now be saved or spent on other more worthwhile things.

·        Whiter teeth

·        Heartburn and indigestion decrease.

·        Car and house no longer smell.

·        Clearer and fresher complexion.

·        No more guilt about exposing loved ones to second hand smoke.

·        Feeling better about yourself and your life.