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Excerpts from NUMBERS DON'T LIE: QUIT SMOKING

By Ann Landers, Chicago Tribune [04/12/00]

Dear Ann Landers: My niece is trying to quit smoking, and is having a terrible time. I told her you once printed a letter describing what happens to the body after someone stops smoking. It made a strong impression on me, and I'm sure it did on many others too. Will you please print it again to encourage my niece to keep trying? She is discouraged, and ready to give up.
Dee Dee in Detroit

Dear Dee Dee: With pleasure. I was told after reading this column, many people did quit smoking. Here it is:

According to the American Cancer Society, as soon as you snuff out that last cigarette, your body will begin a series of physiological changes.

Within 20 minutes: Blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rate will drop to normal.

Within eight hours: Smoker's breath disappears. Carbon monoxide level in blood drops, and oxygen level rises to normal.

Within 24 hours: Chance of heart attack decreases.

Within 48 hours: Nerve endings start to regroup. Ability to taste and smell improves.

Within three days: Breathing is easier.

Within two to three months: Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung capacity increases up to 30 percent.

Within one to nine months: Sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia that sweep debris from your lungs grow back. Energy increases.

Within one year: Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a person who smokes.

Within two years: Heart attack risk drops to near normal.

Within five years: Lung cancer death rate for an average former pack-a-day smoker decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced. Risk of mouth, throat and esophageal cancer is half that of a smoker.

Within 10 years: Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a person who does not smoke. The pre-cancerous cells are replaced.

Within 15 years: Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a person who has never smoked.