When being a quitter makes you a winner

(NC)—Although you probably know that smoking is bad for you – did you know that the damage can be repaired? It's true! It's never too late to quit. Stopping smoking is the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives. In fact, within 10-15 years of being smoke-free, the risk of a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked, and the risk of lung cancer is reduced by 50 percent.

Even more motivating is that you start to see some positive effects within hours of stopping smoking:

• Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal 20 minutes after your last cigarette;

• In eight hours, carbon monoxide level drops and oxygen level in the blood increases to normal;

• After 48 hours, sense of smell and taste begin to improve;

• In 72 hours, lung capacity increases making breathing easier;

• Two weeks to three months later the blood circulation improves and lung functioning increases up to 30 percent;

• After one year, your risk of heart disease falls to half that of a smoker.

The reasons for quitting smoking are endless – from the money you save to the quality years earned on your life. Quitting takes commitment and support, so get the help you need to quit for life!

Speak to your doctor about the options that are available to you, including a new prescription smoking cessation aid that can quadruple the chances of quitting smoking vs. cold turkey. You have so much to gain.

Source: www.newscanada.com