When a smoker STOPS Smoking

"20 minutes after your last cigarette, positive changes begin to occur in your system which continue for many years. It takes only one cigarette a day to compromise these beneficial changes"

May 1st...I Quit! Register on-line www.cfpsa.com/health and become smoke-free

20 minutes

• Blood pressure returns to normal.
  
• Pulse returns to normal rhythm.
  
• Temperature of hands and feet returns to normal.

8 hours

• Carbon monoxide count returns to normal.
  
• Oxygen level in the blood returns to normal.

24 hours

• Risk of heart attack decreases.

48 hours

• Sense of smell and taste improve.

2 weeks to 3 months

• Circulation improves
  
• Walking becomes easier.
  
• Pulmonary function increases by about 30%.

1 to 9 months

• Cough, nasal congestion, fatigue & shortness of breath diminish.
  
• The body regains energy.

1 year

• Risk of coronary disease is 50% less than that of a smoker.

5 years

• Lung cancer mortality rate of a former pack-a-day smoker decreases to almost half.
  
• From 5 to 15 years after quitting, the risk of stroke decreases and is comparable to that of a non-smoker.
  
• The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is 50% less than that of a smoker.

10 years

• Cancer mortality rate is similar to that of a non-smoker.
  
• Pre-cancerous cells are replaced.
  
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat & oesophagus, bladder & pancreas decreases.

15 years

• The risk of heart disease is similar to that of a non smoker.

Source:
DCOS FHP Donald Déry M. Sc.(613) 945-6600 ext 3156 FAX: (613) 945-6823