Stop Smoking HerbsMany people trying to quit smoking consider the use of various medications.

Quit Smoking Facts:

• There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke: even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can be harmful to peoples health.
• People who smoke are 10 to 20 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke.
• Breathing secondhand smoke for even a short time can have immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and interferes with the normal functioning of the heart, blood, and vascular systems in ways that increase the risk of a heart attack.

Quit Smoking - Find New Things To Do



Starting today you may want to create some new habits. Here are some things you might try:

* Swimming, jogging, playing tennis, bike riding, or shooting baskets. It's hard to smoke and do these things at the same time. How about walking your dog?

* Keep your hands busy. Do crossword puzzles or needlework. Paint. Do woodworking, gardening, or household chores. You can also write a letter or paint your nails.

* Enjoy having a clean tasting mouth. Brush your teeth often and use mouthwash.

* Take a stretch when you're tempted to reach for a cigarette.

Set aside time for the activities that satisfy you and mean the most to you. There are natural breaks even during a busy day. After dinner, first thing in the morning, or just before bed are good examples. You'll also need plenty of rest while you get used to your smoke-free lifestyle.

Remember the Instant Rewards of Quitting Cigarette Smoking

Your body begins to heal within 20 minutes after your last cigarette. The poison gas and nicotine start to leave your body. Your pulse rate goes back to normal. The oxygen in your blood rises to a normal level.

Within a few days you may notice other things:

* Your senses of taste and smell are better.
* You can breathe easier.
* Your "smoker's hack" starts to go away. (You may keep coughing for a while, though.)

The nicotine leaves your body within three days. Your body starts to repair itself. At first, you may feel worse instead of better. Withdrawal feelings can be hard. But they are a sign that your body is healing.

Finallythe Long-term Rewards of Quitting Cigarette Smoking

Tobacco use in the United States causes more than 450,000 deaths each year. Of those deaths, 170,000 are from cancer.

After you've quit, you've added healthy, full days to each year of your life. You've greatly lowered your risk of death from lung cancer and other diseases including:

* Heart disease
* Stroke
* Chronic bronchitis
* Emphysema
* At least 13 other kinds of cancer

You've also cut back on dangerous second-hand smoke for your loved ones. Finally, by quitting smoking, you're setting a good example. You're showing young people that a life without cigarettes is a longer, healthier, happier life.