Rhode Island Tobacco Control Program

More reasons to quit, here are the top 10

1. You'll feel better. Check out the timeline below and you'll see that you'll feel better right away.

2. Your energy will improve. There will be more oxygen in your blood.

3. You'll reduce the risk of illness. Not only will you be better able to fight off colds and flu, but you will reduce your risk of serious illness.

4. You'll live longer. 70% of seniors who quit smoking live longer than their peers.

5. Food will taste better.

6. You'll save money; lots of it.

7. You'll look better. Your teeth will be whiter and your color will be improved.

8. You'll be a great role model for the children and teens in your life.

9. You'll protect the ones you love. Check out the effects of second-hand smoke in Second Hand Smoke.

10. It's never too late.

10 things you should know about quitting

1. Quitting often takes more than willpower. There are medications to help you.

2. Using a nicotine patch or nicotine gum can double your chances of quitting successfully.

3. There is no right way to quit - quitting is as individual as you are.

4. Quit smoking programs can give you support and strategies to handle cravings.

5. Hang in there. Cravings usually pass in a few minutes.

6. If you can make it through the first day, you are ten times more likely to succeed.

7. You may live 10 to 12 years longer.

8. If you smoke again, don't panic. Sometimes it takes more than one quit attempt.

9. Exercising and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water can help you avoid gaining weight.

10. More than 40 million Americans have quit smoking and you can too!

20 minutes:
Blood pressure drops to normal; pulse rate drops to normal; increased circulation in hands

8 hours:
Oxygen level in your blood increases to normal; carbon monoxide level in your blood drops

24 hours:
Your chance for a heart attack has already gone down.

48 hours:
Your ability to smell and taste is already improved; walking is becoming easier.

2 weeks to 3 months:
Your circulation has improved. No more cold hands and cold feet. Your lung function has already increased up to 30%.

1 month to 9 months:
You'll notice that coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath have decreased dramatically. Cilia have re-grown in your lungs increasing your ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection.

1 year:
Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

5 years:
Risk of stroke reduced to that of a nonsmoker. Risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and esophagus cut in half. Risk of lung cancer reduced in half compared to a smoker.

15 years:
Congratulations! Your risk for coronary heart disease and stroke is the same as for a lifelong nonsmoker.