Stop Smoking

Reduce Your Chances of Returning to the Hospital

No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, it’s never too late to quit this unhealthy habit. The benefits start right away and last a lifetime:

• 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
  
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lungs work better.
  
• 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.
  
• 2 to 5 years after quitting, your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder cancers is cut in half.
  
• 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker.
  
• 15 years after quitting, your risk of heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s.
  

Ready, Set, Quit!

Now that you’ve decided to quit, take it one day at a time. Remind yourself that you are in control—you can choose to smoke or not. Make a commitment to yourself. Write down why you want to quit and read it every day. Be prepared to have nicotine cravings. When a craving hits, take a walk, call a friend or do something else you enjoy.

Here’s How You Can S.T.A.R.T.

• Set a quit date. Make a commitment to yourself. Write down why you want to quit and read it every day.
  
• Tell your family, friends and coworkers that you plan to quit, and ask for their support.
• Anticipate the challenges you’ll face.
  
• Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your house, car and workplace.
• Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit—including counseling, medicines or products that can help, and other tools and resources like those found at the sites below:

• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
• National Cancer Institute: www.smokefree.gov 
  

E-Cigarettes

E-cigarette devices are used to breathe in an aerosol containing nicotine. It’s also known as vaping. E-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes—the chemicals in the aerosol can cause lung damage and lung disease.