When smokers quit....
Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continues for a year.
After 20 minutes
- Blood pressure drops to normal
- Pulse rate drops to normal
- Body temperature of hands and feet returns to normal
After 8 Hours
- Carbon Monoxide level in blood drops to normal
- Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
After 24 Hours
- Chance of heart attack decreases
After 48 Hours
- Nerve endings start regrowing
- Ability to smell and taste is enhanced
After 2 Weeks to 3 Months
- Circulation improves
- Walking becomes easier
- Lung function increases up to 30%
After 1 to 9 Months
- Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease
- Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, reduce infection
- Body’s overall energy increases
After 1 Year
- Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
After 5 Years
- Lung cancer death rate for average former smoker (1 pack per day) decreases by almost half
- Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting
- Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker’s
After 10 Years
- Lung cancer death rate similar to that of a nonsmokers
- Precancerous cells are replaced
- Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases
After 15 Years
- Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker
Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
To learn more about the BAN program, call Cheryl at (701) 241-1383 or e-mail her at cmatter@cityoffargo.com.