WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY WHEN YOU QUIT SMOKING?

If you quit smoking right now, here is what will begin to happen immediately:

• In 20 minutes: Your heart rate drops.
• In 12 hours: The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal.
• In 2 weeks to 3 months: Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lungs are working better.
• In 1 to 9 months: Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease and your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infection.
• In 1 year: Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
• In five years: Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
• In 10 years: Your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker's. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases.
• In 15 years: Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn't smoke.