For Me

Ten years ago today, I quit smoking. It was one of the hardest things I'd ever done, and here's the current list of health benefits I've accrued by doing so:

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
• 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• Two weeks to three months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
• One to nine months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
• One year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
• Five years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
• 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.

People quit smoking when they're ready, and not before. I had a ton of support, both from my family and my health care provider. In truth - I still miss it. I occasionally dream about it. I'm happy I was successful, not only for my own benefit, but for my family's health and well-being, as well.

But make no mistake - it's absolutely the best thing I've ever done for me.