A bit of alarmism:
The Cleansing Process
The body and lungs begin cleansing away the toxins of cigarettes almost immediately after smokers quit, according to the American Cancer Society. Twenty minutes after quitting, the heart rate and blood pressure drop back to normal levels. Within 12 hours, unsafe levels of carbon monoxide leave the body. Two weeks to three months later, blood and oxygen circulation improve as lung capacity increases. Sometime within the first nine months of quitting, ex-smokers begin coughing less and cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures in the lungs, regain function. Healthy cilia clean the lungs of mucus and reduce chances for infection.
Long-Term Health Benefits of Quitting
The American Cancer Society reports several long-term benefits of quitting, including reducing by half the risks of coronary heart disease within the first year. Five to 15 years following the final cigarette, an ex-smoker's risk of stroke declines to that of a non-smoker, and the risk of lung cancer reduces by half. In the long term, quitting also reduces respiratory illnesses, according to the CDC.
The Cleansing Process
The body and lungs begin cleansing away the toxins of cigarettes almost immediately after smokers quit, according to the American Cancer Society. Twenty minutes after quitting, the heart rate and blood pressure drop back to normal levels. Within 12 hours, unsafe levels of carbon monoxide leave the body. Two weeks to three months later, blood and oxygen circulation improve as lung capacity increases. Sometime within the first nine months of quitting, ex-smokers begin coughing less and cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures in the lungs, regain function. Healthy cilia clean the lungs of mucus and reduce chances for infection.
Long-Term Health Benefits of Quitting
The American Cancer Society reports several long-term benefits of quitting, including reducing by half the risks of coronary heart disease within the first year. Five to 15 years following the final cigarette, an ex-smoker's risk of stroke declines to that of a non-smoker, and the risk of lung cancer reduces by half. In the long term, quitting also reduces respiratory illnesses, according to the CDC.