For Me

Sunday, February 27, 2011
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.

7 comments:

mom in northern said...

Yep...agree on all counts...it was hard for me to quit too.

Megan said...

It's definitely one of the best things you can do for yourself.

JstPam said...

Not only are you a HOT CHICK, but you are a SMART one too!

Tom said...

Janiece, heartfelt congratulations. You may have quit for you, but that translated to tremendous help to me. You have been my most ardent supporter in my (so far successful) attempt to quit, and I thank you for that. This is definitely an area where being a quitter is a good thing.

kimby said...

One month today it has been for me, and the hardest thing i have ever ever done.

The Mechanicky Gal said...

I wonder how Mechanicky Guy would like one of these posted on his bathroom mirror, to rotate through them all? I have a label maker...

Anne C. said...

I am super glad you did, because I like having you around for longer!

(And YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! to Tom and Kimby! W00t!)