| Are the troublesome side effects associated with | | | | illnesses and infections in children is the direct |
| quitting smoking making it hard for you to put | | | | result of secondhand smoke. |
| your cigarettes up for good? Are the cravings, | | | | • Lung Cancer is now the most prominent |
| the anxiety and irritability too much to bear? | | | | form of cancer in both men and women, and the |
| Perhaps these side effects seem insurmountable | | | | survival rate is extremely low. |
| now, especially in the early stages of cessation, | | | | • Smoking causes high blood pressure, |
| but unlike the effects associated with not quitting, | | | | infertility, slow wound healing, ulcers and more. |
| these problems are only temporary. | | | | If you decide to take that first step towards |
| After some time, the effects associated with | | | | quitting, here are some of the benefits you can |
| quitting will begin to ebb, and with each passing | | | | expect: |
| month they will seem like a distant memory. Not | | | | The Benefits of Quitting |
| quitting, however, is an invitation to serious | | | | • Immediate improvements in lung function, |
| consequences that are permanent and often | | | | allowing you to breathe easier and have more |
| deadly. Is the pleasure you associate with | | | | endurance. |
| smoking really worth your life? Are the side | | | | • More energy and vitality. |
| effects associated with quitting too much to bear | | | | • In one year, the risk of heart disease will be |
| to ensure that you remain healthy for your | | | | cut in half, and in 15 years your risk will be no |
| family? Think about those questions while you | | | | more than that of a non-smoker. |
| read about the very real dangers of smoking and | | | | • In 10 years, the risk for lung cancer will be |
| the health benefits associated with quitting. | | | | cut in half. |
| The Dangers of Smoking: | | | | • Quitting can stop and reverse the |
| • Close to 500,000 Americans die every year | | | | progression of chronic lung illnesses like |
| from smoking related diseases. | | | | emphysema and COPD. |
| • Smoking more than doubles your chance | | | | • Improved ability to fight off disease of any |
| for heart disease and triples your risk for lung | | | | kind. |
| cancer. | | | | How much longer can you afford to ignore these |
| • Cigarettes contain at least 43 | | | | staggering statistics? How much more time will |
| cancer-causing chemicals. | | | | you spend rationalizing your habit? The time to |
| • Smoking during pregnancy is responsible for | | | | quit is now. Face your addiction and the nasty little |
| 20 to 30 percent of all low birth weight babies. | | | | side effects that accompany quitting and make a |
| • Secondhand smoke puts children at risk. | | | | commitment that can save your life. |
| Close to 300,000 cases of lower respiratory | | | | |