Why Smoking Kills

Why Smoking Kills

Why You Should Quit

If reading about the negative consequences of smoking has not helped you make the decision to quit, try a little positive motivation.

20 minutes after you quit: Your blood pressure will go down and your pulse rate will drop.

2 hours after quitting: The level of nicotine in your system will reduce considerably.

8 hours later: The carbon monoxide levels in your blood will drop as the oxygen increases to the normal level of a non-smoker.

At 24 hours: Your chance of a heart attack will decrease.

At 48 hours: Your sense of smell will improve and your taste buds will serve you better than ever as sensitive nerve endings start growing again.

In 2 to 4 days: By now, all the byproducts of nicotine will leave your body.

Between 2 to 9 weeks: Your blood circulation will improve. You will find it easier to walk and exercise, and your lung function will increase.

By 3 months: Surprise, your fertility improves. Not many are aware of this consequence of smoking. For men, quality and density of sperm will increase. For women, chances of conceiving become better. By now, there will be no tar stains on your teeth and fingers.

Within the first 9 months: You will find intense improvement in shortness of breath, coughing, sinus congestion, and fatigue.

By 1 year: Your risk of coronary heart disease will be half that of a smoker. The condition of skin and gums will get better.

After 5 years: Your risk of lung cancer will reduce by half. In addition, your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas rapidly decreases.

In 5 to 15 years: Your risk of stroke will be the same as that of people who have never smoked.

By 10 years: You will have no more likelihood of getting a coronary heart disease than non-smokers. Your risk of an early death from all causes will virtually disappear and return to that of people who have never smoked.

So, are you ready to quit?

Do you smoke? Do you think the incidence of smoking is increasing? Why do you think people smoke? Have you tried to quit? Does anyone in your family smoke? Do you get irritated by passive smoking? To let us know about your views and experiences, click here.

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