If you’ve made a resolution to quit smoking and you’re struggling, we urge you to persevere because the longer you go without tobacco, the better things get.
Find out what happens to your body once you quit.
We have encouraging news from WebMD which can help you on your way.
If you had quit on 1 January, you may noticed the following improvements to your health:
- 20 minutes: Your pulse and blood pressure will drop to normal.
- 12 hours: Levels of carbon monoxide are normal, making room for more oxygen in your red blood cells.
- 24 hours: Your risk of a heart attack reduces.
- 48 hours: As nerve endings start to heal, your sense of taste and smell gets sharper.
- 3 days: By now, you should be breathing easier and have more energy.
- 2 weeks – 3 months: You could still feel some cravings but your lungs are stronger and clearer, and your blood flow has improved. Your risk of a heart attack has reduced further and you’ve made it through the hardest part of withdrawal.
- 3 months – 9 months: You can take deeper and clearer breaths.
- 1 year: What a milestone! Your risk of heart disease is half of what it was a year ago.
- 5 years: Chances of a stroke or cervical cancer will be the same as a non-smoker. Your risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and bladder will be halved.
- 10 years: Compared to a smoker, you’ll be half as likely to get lung cancer.
- 15 years: The chances of getting heart disease will be the same as if you’ve never smoked.
It is a long road requiring commitment, support, perseverance, courage, belief and often, assistance from your doctor and Link pharmacist but the rewards are worth it. Stick to the plan – your ‘Good Health’ pharmacy is here for you!
While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.
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