The Benifits

20 MINUTES

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

8 HOURS

    * Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
    * Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

24 HOURS

    * Chance of heart attack decreases

48 HOURS

    * Nerve endings start regrowing
    * Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS

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

1 TO 9 MONTHS

    * Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
    * Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
    * Body's overall energy increases

1 YEAR

    * Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 YEARS

    * Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
    * Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker five to 15 years after quitting
    * Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's

10 YEARS

    * Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker
    * Precancerous cells are replaced
    * Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, cervix, and pancreas decreases

15 YEARS

    * Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker