Benefits of Quitting Tobacco

As soon as you quit smoking, your body begins a series of healing or recovery changes that will continue for years.

20 MINUTES: Your heart rate drops to a normal level.

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

2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS: Your risk of having a heart attack begins to drop. Your lung function begins to improve.

1 TO 9 MONTHS: Your coughing and shortness of breath decreases.

1 YEAR: Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.

5 TO 15 YEARS: Your risk of having a stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s. Your risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, or esophagus is half that of a smoker’s.

10 YEARS: Your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a smoker’s. Your risk of getting bladder cancer is half that of a smoker’s. Your risk of getting cervical cancer or cancer of the larynx, kidney, or pancreas decreases.

15 YEARS: Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker. 

Visit Orriant to find out more about wellness programs that can help you quit smoking!

Tips to Call it Quits

Tips to Call it Quits

Making the decision to quit smoking is life changing.  You will improve your health and quality of life, as well as save yourself some cash.  However, quitting isn’t easy, so here are a few tips to get you started:

Change your attitude- In order to quit smoking, you have to want to.

Make a Plan- set a date within the next few weeks when you want to be officially smoke free.  Set rewards for reaching certain goals and know the actions you are going to take.  Having things laid out makes it easier for you to see progress. 

Tell People- by telling people you are putting yourself in a mind-set of expectation, making you more likely to reach your goals.

Find Distractions- find a new hobby or activity that keeps your mind off smoking.  Go for a run or hike, take up knitting…anything to keep your mind off of it.  Many people that are trying to quit use sunflower seeds as a distraction as well. 

Wait for the urge to pass- studies show that urges normally last about 3 minutes.  Take a deep breath and focus on something else, and before you know it you won’t want the cigarette anymore. 

Monitor your urges- When you crave a cigarette, it’s normally in response to something.  By recognizing those emotions, you can find something else that you can rely on. 

Smoking doesn’t have to control your life.  Take the steps to quit and become a healthier, happier you.