Quitting smoking is great for your health. Over time it lowers your risk for smoking-related diseases and can add years to your life. And the health benefits of quitting smoking continue to grow the longer you stay quit. Check out our Quitting Smoking Timeline for what you can look forward to as a former smoker.
There are plenty of reasons to quit smoking. Your heart, lungs, even your finances will see an improvement!
Here are just a few:
Save Money
One cost of smoking? It costs money! When you give up a 1 pack a day habit at an average cost of $6.18, you can save $2,200 a year. Of course, in addition to all the money you’ll save, many people find they get lower insurance premiums once they start living life smoke-free.
Decreased Cancer Risks
Most everyone knows smoking increases your chances of lung cancer. But smoking also increases your risk for cancer of the stomach, mouth, throat, kidney, cervix, pancreas and bladder. 10 years after quitting your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
Improve Lung Function
Three sure signs of a smoker are wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Your lungs are working overtime. Quit, and in 2 to 3 months your lung function improves. Other health benefits include less chance of developing emphysema later in life and in ten years, your risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker.
Live Longer
People who quit smoking live longer than those who smoke, because quitting reduces the risk of dying from specific smoking-related diseases. According to the American Cancer Society, people who quit smoking before age 50 have one-half the risk of dying in the next 15 years compared with people who continue to smoke.
No More Smoky Smell
Most smokers aren’t bothered by the smell of smoke that sticks around in their hair or clothes because they can’t smell it. After they quit...
Heart Benefits
20 minutes after quitting your heart rate drops back down to normal. In just 2 weeks to 3 months your heart attack risk begins to drop, and your lung function begins to improve. In a year, your risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. And your heart keeps on getting healthier. In 15 years, your risk of heart disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker.
Healthier Looking Skin
Smoking causes wrinkles around the mouth due to the heat from the tips of cigarettes and repeatedly pursing your lips to take a drag. Smokers’ skin becomes less elastic and tends to sag and wrinkle earlier than nonsmokers’.Quitting can help clear up blemishes and protect your skin from premature aging and wrinkling..
Food Tastes Better
Smoking can dull your sense of smell and taste. As you regain your senses after you quit smoking, you’ll notice eating can be more pleasurable because you can actually taste your food.
Better Sex
Studies looking at men who smoke have found that they are more likely to have impotence (erectile dysfunction). This gets worse the longer they smoke, and may be due to problems with blood flow. In just 3 months after quitting, blood flow throughout your body improves, increasing your chances of having a healthy sexual life. If a better sex life isn’t a good reason to quit, what is?.
A Quiet’s Night’s Sleep
Smoking could be the reason you (and your partner) are tossing and turning at night. Smoking irritates the membranes in the nose and throat which can block the airways and cause snoring.
Freedom
Think about it. Once you’re no longer tied to your smoking habit, you’ll feel a sense of freedom – no more sneaking outside to grab a quick smoke; no more dreading long flights; no more making excuses. You can breathe easier and enjoy your newfound freedom from smoking.
