Posted by Joy (216.66.101.190) on December 05, 2001 at 16:29:53:
to those of you who are trying to quit smoking! If you need further motivation, here's an article to let you know what you can look forward to!
Good News for all Cigarette Smokers!
You might think it’s too late to quit smoking, but here is some good news from the American Cancer Society:
As soon as you snuff out that last cigarette, your body will begin a series of physiological changes.
Within 20 minutes: Blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rate will drop to normal.
Within 8 hours: Smoker’s breath disappears. The carbon monoxide level in blood drops, and the oxygen levels rises to normal.
Within 24 hours: Chance of heart attack decreases.
Within 48 hours: Nerve endings start to regroup. Ability to taste and smell improves.
Within 3 days: Breathing is easier.
Within 2 to 3 months: Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung capacity increases up to 30 percent.
Within 1 to 9 months: Sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia that sweep debris from your lungs grow back. Energy increases.
Within 1 year: Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a person who smokes.
Within 2 years: Heart attack risk drops to near normal.
Within 5 years: Lung cancer death rate for average former pack-a-day smoker decreases by almost half. Risk of mouth, throat and esophageal cancer is half that of a smoker.
Within 10 years: Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a person who does not smoke. The precancerous cells are replaced.
Within 15 years: Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a person who has never smoked.
I truly wish I could add that you will no longer have cluster headaches! Good luck everyone!
Joy