Within 20 minutes of the last cigarette:

• Blood pressure drops to normal.
• Pulse rate drops to normal rate.
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.

After eight hours:

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal.

After 24 hours:

• Chances of heart attack decreases.

After 48 hours:

• Nerve endings begin regrowing.
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced.

After 72 hours:

• Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier.

After two weeks to three months:

• Circulation improves.
• Walking becomes easier.
• Lung function increases up to 30 percent.

After one to nine months:

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decreases.
• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing your ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection.
• The body's overall energy level increases.

After five years:

• Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases from 137 per 100,000.

After 10 years:

•  
• Pre-cancerous cells are replaced.
• Other cancers, such as those of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas, decrease (there are 30 cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke).
• Lung cancer death rate drops to 12 deaths per 100,000 -- almost the rate of non-smokers

Happily, there are many positive psychological symptoms and physical effects to counterbalance the negative effects of nicotine withdrawal. They include:

• Happiness about getting free from tobacco
• Happiness about being free of the self-nagging and guilt about using tobacco products
• Improved abilities to smell and taste
• Clothes, home, and car smell better every day
• None of the mess and dirt associated with tobacco use
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered heart rate
• Improved circulation in the hands and feet
• Decreases in the carbon monoxide levels
• More oxygen to your brain and body
• Generally feel better than when you used tobacco products

In addition, the natural cleansing systems in your lungs begin to operate more effectively, and you experience a higher level of health and well-being.

Benefits Of Quitting

Preparing To Quit

Replacement Therapies

Coping With Anxiety

Managing Your Diet

Benefits Of Exercise

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Stop Smoking Web Rings

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