Stopping Smoking - The Benefits

The benefits are unquestionable and, what's more, start immediately you stop smoking:

After 20 minutes: Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. Circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.

After 8 hours: Oxygen levels in the blood return to normal. Chances of a heart attack start to fall.

After 24 hours: Carbon Monoxide is eliminated from the body. The lungs start to clear out mucous and other debris.

After 48 hours: Nicotine is no longer detectable in the body. The ability to taste and smell is improved.

After 72 hours: Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax. Energy levels increase.

Between 2and 12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking easier.

Between 3 and 9 months: Breathing problems such as cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing improve. Overall lung function is increased by 5 to 10%.

After 5 years: Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

After 10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to about half of that found in a smoker. Risk of a heart attack falls to about the same as someone who has never smoked.