Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that will continue for years. Remember that all the benefits are lost by smoking *just one* cigarette a day!

What happens when you quit after:

20 MINUTES: Your blood pressure and pulse rate drops to normal.

Your body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.

8 HOURS: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

The oxygen level in your blood increases to normal.

24 HOURS: The chance of a heart attack decreases.

48 HOURS: The nerve endings start regrowing.

Your ability to smell and taste is enhanced.

2 WEEKS - 3 MONTHS: Your circulation improves. Walking becomes easier.

Your lung function can increase up to 30%.

1 - 9 MONTHS: The coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease.

Cilia regrow in your lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucous, clean the lungs and reduce infection.

Your body's overall energy increases.

1 YEAR: The risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.

5 YEARS: The lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack per day) decreases by almost half.

Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5-15 years after quitting.

The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's risk.

10 YEARS: The lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker.

The risk of all cigarette related cancers continue to decrease.

15 YEARS: The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non smoker.