Stop Smoking

Reduce Your Chances of Returning to the Hospital

No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, it’s never too late to quit this unhealthy habit. The benefits start right away and last a lifetime:

• 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. 
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lungs work better. 
• 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker. 
• 2 to 5 years after quitting, your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder cancers is cut in half. 
• 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker. 
• 15 years after quitting, your risk of heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s. 
  

Ready, Set, Quit!

Now that you’ve decided to quit, take it one day at a time. Remind yourself that you are in control—you can choose to smoke or not. Make a commitment to yourself. Write down why you want to quit and read it every day. Be prepared to have nicotine cravings. When a craving hits, take a walk, call a friend or do something else you enjoy. 

Here’s How You Can S.T.A.R.T.

Set a quit date. Make a commitment to yourself. Write down why you want to quit and read it every day.

Tell your family, friends and coworkers that you plan to quit, and ask for their support.

Anticipate the challenges you’ll face.

Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your house, car and workplace.

Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit—including counseling, medicines or products that can help, and other tools and resources like those found at the sites below:

• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
• National Cancer Institute: www.smokefree.gov